Lactobacillus acidophilus nucleic acids and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus acidophilus  NCFM nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, fragments and variants thereof are provided in the current invention. In addition, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells comprising the expression vectors. Methods for producing the polypeptides of the invention and methods for their use are further provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/260,843, filed Oct. 27, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/711,491, filed Aug. 26, 2005 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/622,712, filed Oct. 27, 2004, thecontents of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded bythem, as well as methods for using the polypeptides and microorganismsexpressing them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, non-sporeforming, homofermentative bacterium that is a normal inhabitant of thegastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Since its original isolationby Moro (1900) from infant feces, the “acid loving” organism has beenfound in the intestinal tract of humans, breast fed infants, and personsconsuming high milk-, lactose-, or dextrin diets. Historically,Lactobacillus Acidophilus is the Lactobacillus species most oftenimplicated as an intestinal probiotic capable of eliciting beneficialeffects on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract (Klaenhammer andRussell (2000) “Species of the Lactobacillus acidophilus Complex,” inEncyclopedia of Food Microbiology, Volume 2, ed. Robinson et al.,(Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.), pp. 1151-1157). LactobacillusAcidophilus can ferment hexoses, including lactose and more complexoligosaccharides (Kaplan and Hutkins (2000) Appl. Environ. Microbiol.66:2682-2684) to produce lactic acid and lower the pH of the environmentwhere the organism is cultured. Acidified environments (e.g. food,vagina, and regions within the gastrointestinal tract) can interferewith the growth of undesirable bacteria, pathogens, and yeasts. Theorganism is well known for its acid tolerance, survival in cultureddairy products, and viability during passage through the stomach andgastrointestinal tract. Lactobacilli and other commensal bacteria, someof which are considered as probiotic bacteria that “favor life,” havebeen studied extensively for their effects on human health, particularlyin the prevention or treatment of enteric infections, diarrheal disease,prevention of cancer, and stimulation of the immune system.

Microbial esterases and lipases are presently of interest because oftheir potential applications in biotechnology for food processing,surfactant composition, detergents, paper, oil manufacture, diagnostics,and optically active drugs (Jaeger et al. (1999) Annu. Rev. Microbiol.53:315-351, Jaeger and Reetz (1998) Trends Biotech. 16:396-403). Theenzymes that modify milk fat are lipases (triacylglycerol lipases; EC3.1.1.3) and esterases (EC 3.1.1.1). Esterases are, by definition,enzymes that have the ability to hydrolyze ester substrates withshort-chain fatty esters (≦C₁₀), whereas lipases hydrolyze long-chainacylglycerols (≧C₁₀) (Verger (1997) Trends Biotech. 15:32-38). Thesubstrates and products of these enzymes may be involved in theformation of various flavor components of maturing cheeses, fermenteddairy products, cured bacon and fermented sausages. It has been aninterest in the dairy field to reduce the inherent cost and to enhanceflavor intensity of various cheeses by shortening the maturation periodin their preparation and processing. The free fatty acids, which areliberated by the action of lipases or esterases on milk fat, give dairyproducts their typical flavor characteristics. Upon further breakdown offatty acids, reactions with other components of maturing cheeses andfermented dairy products, which may contribute to the formation ofvarious flavor components, are likely to occur (Stead (1986) J. DairySci. 53:481-505).

Oxalic acid is a strong dicarboxylic acid (pK_(a) ¹=1.23; pK_(a) ²=3.83)and a toxic compound that irritates tissues. This effect was recognizedin the eighteenth century, when used for cleaning and bleaching. Oxalatein extremely high concentrations can cause death in humans and animals,and pathological disorders, including hyperoxaluria (an oxalate levelexceeding the normal range), pyridoxine deficiency, urolithiasis(formation of calculi or uroliths), renal failure, and others (Hatch etal. (1995) Scanning Microsc 9:1121-1126). The toxicity of oxalate hasbeen related to its capability to generate reactive oxygen species(through the Fenton reaction) as hydroxyl or carbonate radicals duringits interaction with hydrogen peroxide (Park et al. (1997) Free Rad Res27:447-458 and Urzua et al. (1998) Appl. Envirn. Microbiol. 64:68-73).Oxalate occurs widely in nature and many foods such as boiled carrots(1.88 mg/g), tomatoes (0.04 mg/g), celery (0.17 mg/g), potato (0.02mg/g) and corn (0.03 mg/g), and other dietary sources such as tea (0.11mg/ml), coffee (0.05 mg/ml) and chocolate (1.17 mg/g). Oxalic acid canalso be produced by non enzymatic degradation or from some metabolicprecursors (like ascorbic acid) by the intestinal microflora (Ogawa etal. (2000) World J. Surg. 24:1154-1159). In the intestine, oxalate maycombine with calcium, sodium, magnesium, or potassium forming lesssoluble salts, but also with iron generating high soluble salts. Thepresence of bacteria that specifically degrade oxalate has been proposedto regulate the oxalate homeostasis of the host by preventingabsorption, catabolizing free oxalate and enhancing oxalate secretionfrom the circulation. A recent clinical study has demonstrated acorrelation between low rates of intestine colonization withoxalate-degrading bacteria, specifically Oxalobacter formigenes, with anincreased risk of hyperoxaluria due to an increase in urinary oxalateconcentration (Troxel et al. (2003) J. Endourol. 17:173-176).Accordingly, compositions and methods are needed in the art that canmodulate oxalate degradation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the formyl-CoA transferase and oxalyl-CoA decarboxylasegenes in L. acidophilus NCFM. Putative rho-dependent terminators andtheir correspondent free energy are indicated.

FIG. 2 shows the proposed metabolic pathway of oxalate decarboxylationby L. acidophilus is also shown.

FIG. 3A shows the transcriptional analysis of the oxc operon in L.acidophilus cells at pH 5.5. Cells were first transferred in MRS brothpH 6.8 (non-adapted). Gene induction was followed over time after cellswere placed in MRS broth, pH 5.5. ORF numbers in NCFM are denoted.

FIG. 3B shows the transcriptional analysis of the oxc operon in L.acidophilus cells at pH 5.5. Cells were first transferred in MRS brothpH 6.8 containing non-inhibitory concentrations of ammonium oxalate(pre-adapted). Gene induction was followed over time after cells wereplaced in MRS broth, pH 5.5. ORF numbers in NCFM are denoted.

FIG. 4 shows survival of log-phase cells of L. acidophilus NCFM and thefrc⁻ mutant after challenge with HCl, lactic acid or oxalic acid for 2hours in MRS broth adjusted to pH 4.0, 3.5, and 3.0.

FIG. 5 shows growth curves of L. acidophillus NCFM in semi-defined BMmedia containing different concentrations of ammonium oxalate. Growthwas evaluated in BM in the presence of 0.1% glucose (▪) and glucose plus0.1% (▴) or 0.5% (▾) ammonium oxalate, or in the absence of glucose (□)or in the absence of glucose plus 0.1% (Δ) or 0.5% (∇) ammonium oxalate.

FIG. 6 shows oxalate-degrading activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus.Strains NCFM (▪) and frc⁻ () were consecutively transferred in brothcontaining a non-inhibitory concentration of oxalate (3.5 mM), and thentransferred to broth containing 32 mM oxalate. Samples were taken overtime and oxalate concentration in the supernatants was measured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Specifically, the present invention provides isolated nucleic acidmolecules comprising, consisting essentially of and/or consisting of thenucleotide sequences as set forth in odd numbered sequences as set forthin SEQ ID NOS:1-36, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding theamino acid sequences comprising the even numbered sequences as set forthin SEQ ID NOS:1-36. Also provided are isolated or recombinantpolypeptides encoded by a nucleic acid molecule described herein, aswell as. polypeptides comprising, consisting essentially of and/orconsisting of the amino acid sequences as set forth in even numbered SEQID NOS:1-36. Variant nucleic acid molecules and polypeptidessufficiently identical to the nucleotide and amino acid sequences setforth in the sequence listings are encompassed by the present invention.Additionally, fragments and sufficiently identical fragments of thenucleotide and amino acid sequences are encompassed. Nucleotidesequences that are complementary to a nucleotide sequence of theinvention, or that hybridize to a sequence of the invention are alsoencompassed.

Compositions further include vectors and cells for recombinantexpression of the nucleic acid molecules described herein, as well astransgenic microbial and/or cell populations comprising the vectors.Also included in the invention are methods for the recombinantproduction of the polypeptides of the invention, and methods for theiruse. Further are included methods and kits for detecting the presence ofa nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence of the invention in a sample, andantibodies that bind to a polypeptide of the invention.

Vectors, cells, and microbes having at least one of these sequences arefurther provided. These sequences can find use in modulating the oxalatedegrading activity of a cell or an organism. Further provided aremethods for modulating oxalate degradation in a subject. In oneembodiment, oxalate degradation in a subject is increased byadministering to the subject and effective concentration of at least oneoxalate degrading sequence of the invention. In another embodiment,oxalate degradation in a subject is increased by administering to thesubject an effective concentration of a microbe having at least one ofthe oxalate degrading sequences of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. As usedherein, “a” or “an” can mean one or more than one. For example, “a cell”can mean a single cell or a plurality of cells.

As used herein, the terms “gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleicacid molecules comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding aprotein. Isolated nucleic acid molecules of the present inventioncomprise nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences setforth in even numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36, the nucleic acid sequences setforth in odd numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36 (it being appreciated that nucleicacids are given in the odd-number sequences only, while amino acidsequences are set forth in even numbers), and variants and fragmentsthereof. The present invention also encompasses antisense nucleic acidmolecules, as described below. In another embodiment, promoter and/orregulatory nucleic acid sequences are provided to facilitate expressionof nucleic acids.

In addition, isolated polypeptides and proteins encoded by the ORFs setforth, and variants and fragments thereof, are encompassed, as well asmethods for producing those polypeptides. For purposes of the presentinvention, the terms “protein” and “polypeptide” are usedinterchangeably.

The nucleic acid and protein compositions encompassed by the presentinvention are isolated or substantially purified. By “isolated” or“substantially purified” is meant that the nucleic acid or proteinmolecules, or biologically active fragments or variants, aresubstantially or essentially free from components normally found inassociation with the nucleic acid or protein in its natural state. Suchcomponents include other cellular material, culture media fromrecombinant production, and various chemicals used in chemicallysynthesizing the proteins or nucleic acids. Preferably, an “isolated”nucleic acid of the present invention is free of nucleic acid sequencesthat flank the nucleic acid of interest in the genomic DNA of theorganism from which the nucleic acid was derived (such as codingsequences present at the 5′ or 3′ ends). However, the molecule mayinclude some additional bases or moieties that do not deleteriouslyaffect the basic characteristics of the composition. For example, invarious embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid contains less than 5 kb,4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb, or 0.1 kb of nucleic acid sequencenormally associated with the genomic DNA in the cells from which it wasderived. Similarly, a substantially purified protein has less than about30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% (by dry weight) of contaminating protein. Whenthe protein is recombinantly produced, preferably culture mediumrepresents less than 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the volume of the proteinpreparation, and when the protein is produced chemically, preferably thepreparations have less than about 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% (by dry weight)of chemical precursors.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used tomodulate the function of molecules. By “modulate,” “alter,” or “modify”is meant the up- or down-regulation of a target activity. In accordancewith the present invention, the level or activity of a sequence of theinvention is modulated (i.e., overexpressed or underexpressed) if thelevel and/or activity of the sequence is statistically lower or higherthan the level and/or activity of the same sequence in an appropriatecontrol. Concentration and/or activity can be increased or decreased byat least 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%relative to an appropriate control. Proteins of the invention are usefulin modifying the abilities of various bacteria including probiotics andlactic acid bacteria, and also in modifying the nutritional orhealth-promoting characteristics of foods fermented by such bacteria.Nucleotide molecules of the invention are useful in modulating proteinexpression. Up- or down-regulation of expression from a polynucleotideof the present invention is encompassed. Up-regulation may beaccomplished by providing multiple gene copies, modulating expression bymodifying regulatory elements, promoting transcriptional ortranslational mechanisms, or other means. Down-regulation may beaccomplished by using known antisense and gene silencing techniques.

By “lactic acid bacteria” is meant bacteria from a genus selected fromthe following: Aerococcus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactococcus,Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus,Melissococcus, Alloiococcus, Dolosigranulum, Lactosphaera,Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus, and Weissella (Holzapfel et al. (2001) Am.J. Clin. Nutr. 73:365 S-373S; Bergey's Manual of SystematicBacteriology, Vol. 2. 1986. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore. pp1075-1079).

By “Lactobacillus” is meant any bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus,including but not limited to L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. johnsonni, L.gasserei, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. fermentum, L. salivarius, L.bulgaricus, and numerous other species outlined by Wood et al.(Holzapfel, W. H. N. The Genera of Lactic Acid Bacteria, Vol. 2. 1995.Brian J. B. Wood, Ed. Aspen Publishers, Inc.)

The polypeptides of the present invention or microbes producing them areuseful as nutritional additives or supplements, and as additives indairy and fermentation processing. The polynucleotide sequences, encodedpolypeptides and microorganisms expressing them are useful in themanufacture of milk-derived products, such as cheeses, yogurt, fermentedmilk products, sour milks and buttermilk. Microorganisms that producepolypeptides of the invention may be probiotic organisms. By “probiotic”is meant a live microorganism that survives passage through thegastrointestinal tract and has a beneficial effect on the subject. By“subject” is meant a living organism, including a plant, a microbe, ahuman, an animal (domestic, agricultural, or exotic), etc.

The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention are usefulin modifying milk-derived products. These uses include, but are notlimited to, modulating the growth rate of a bacterium, modifying theflavor of a fermented dairy product, modulating the acidification rateof a milk product fermented by lactic acid bacteria, and altering theproducts produced during fermentation.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the invention compriseoxalate degrading polypeptides and polynucleotides. Such sequencesinclude those set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, and 4. Additionalsequences include those set forth in SEQ ID NOS:5-36 which can be usedto modulate oxalate degradation. As discussed in further detail below,such sequences can be used to modulate the oxalate degradationcapability of a variety of cell types, microbes, and subjects. Specificproteins included in the present invention can be found in Table 1.

In various embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules of the inventionencode proteins. They can also encode mRNA transcripts having the cDNAsequences comprising nucleotide sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or3 or odd numbered SEQ ID NOS:5-36.

In addition to the nucleotide sequences disclosed herein, and fragmentsand variants thereof, the isolated nucleic acid molecules of the currentinvention also encompass homologous DNA sequences identified andisolated from other organisms or cells by hybridization with entire orpartial sequences obtained from the nucleotide sequences disclosedherein, or variants and fragments thereof.

Fragments and Variants

The invention includes isolated nucleic acid molecules comprisingnucleotide sequences regulating and encoding proteins or variants andfragments thereof, as well as the proteins encoded thereby. By “protein”is meant proteins having the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ IDNOS:2 and 4 and even numbered SEQ ID NOS:5-36. Fragments, biologicallyactive portions, and/or variants of these nucleotide sequences andencoded proteins are also provided. By “fragment” of a nucleotidesequence or protein is meant a portion of the nucleotide sequence oramino acid sequence that is less than the entire nucleotide sequence orprotein.

Fragments of the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein can be used ashybridization probes to identify other sequences in a sample havingvarying degrees of homology to the nucleic acid molecules of thisinvention, or can be used as primers in PCR amplification protocols ormutation of sequences. Fragments of nucleic acid molecules of thisinvention can also be bound to a physical substrate to comprise what canbe considered a macro- or microarray (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No.5,837,832; U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,242; U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,823, andInternational Publication Nos. WO 89/10977, WO 89/11548, and WO93/17126). Such arrays of nucleic acids can be used to study geneexpression or to identify nucleic acid molecules with sufficientidentity to the target sequences.

By “nucleic acid molecule” is meant DNA molecules (e.g., cDNA or genomicDNA) and RNA molecules (e.g., mRNA) and analogs of DNA or RNA generatedusing nucleotide analogs. The nucleic acid molecule can besingle-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is double-strandedDNA. A nucleotide fragment of a protein can encode a protein fragmentthat is biologically active, or it can be used as a hybridization probeor PCR primer as described herein. A biologically active nucleotidefragment can be prepared by isolating a portion of one of the nucleotidesequences of the invention, expressing the nucleotide sequence toproduce the encoded portion of the protein (e.g., by recombinantexpression in vitro), and assessing the activity of the encoded portionof the protein. Fragments of nucleic acid molecules can comprise atleast about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 200, 250,300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950,1000, 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1450, 1500, 1600,1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2200, 2500, 2700, 3000, 3200, 3500, 3700, 4000,4200, or 4500 contiguous nucleotides, including any number between 5 and4500 not specifically recited herein, or up to the total number ofnucleotides present in a full-length nucleotide sequence as disclosedherein.

Fragments of amino acid sequences include polypeptide fragments suitablefor use as immunogens to raise antibodies. Fragments include peptidescomprising amino acid sequences sufficiently identical to or derivedfrom the amino acid sequence of a protein, or partial-length protein, ofthe invention and exhibiting at least one activity of a protein, butwhich include fewer amino acids than the full-length proteins disclosedherein. Typically, biologically active fragments comprise a domain ormotif with at least one activity of the protein. A biologically activefragment of a protein can be a polypeptide which is, for example, 5, 10,15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 500 contiguousamino acids in length, including any number between 5 and 500 notspecifically recited herein, or up to the total number of amino acidspresent in a full-length protein of the current invention. Suchbiologically active fragments can be prepared, for example, byrecombinant techniques and evaluated for one or more of the immunogenicand/or functional activities of a native protein. As used here, afragment comprises at least 5 contiguous amino acids of even numberedSEQ ID NOS:1-36. The invention encompasses other fragments, however,such as any fragment in the protein greater than 6, 7, 8, or 9 aminoacids.

In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the polynucleotides orpolypeptides of SEQ ID NOS:5-36 are provided. A biologically activefragment of a polypeptide or polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:5-36 cancomprise, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200,300, 400, or 500 contiguous amino acids or nucleotides in length,including any number between 5 and 500 not specifically recited herein,or up to the total number of amino acids or nucleotides present in afull-length protein or polynucleotide of the invention. Suchbiologically active fragments can continue to be biologically active(i.e., modulate oxalate degrading activity or any other activitydisclosed herein).

In another embodiment of the invention, fragments of the polynucleotidesor polypeptides of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, or 4 are provided. A biologicallyactive fragment of a polypeptide or polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 3,or 4 can comprise, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100,150, 200, 300, 400, or 500 contiguous amino acids or nucleotides inlength, including any number between 5 and 500 not specifically recitedherein, or up to the total number of amino acids or nucleotides presentin a full-length protein or polynucleotide of the invention. Suchbiologically active fragments can continue to be biologically active(i.e., have oxalate degrading activity or any other method disclosedherein).

Variants of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences are encompassed inthe present invention. By “variant” is meant a sufficiently identicalsequence. Accordingly, the invention encompasses isolated nucleic acidmolecules that are sufficiently identical to the nucleotide sequencesencoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences as set forth ineven numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36, or nucleic acid molecules that hybridizeto a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence as set forthin odd numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36, or a complement thereof, understringent conditions. Variants also include polypeptides encoded by thenucleotide sequences of the present invention. In addition, polypeptidesof the current invention have an amino acid sequence that issufficiently identical to an amino acid sequence as set forth in evennumbered SEQ. ID NOS:1-36. By “sufficiently identical” is meant that oneamino acid sequence or nucleotide sequence contains a sufficient orminimal number of equivalent or identical amino acid residues ornucleotides as compared to a second amino acid or nucleotide sequence,thus providing a common structural domain and/or indicating a commonfunctional activity. Conservative nucleotide sequence variants includethose nucleotide sequences that differ due to the degeneracy of thegenetic code.

In general, amino acid sequences or nucleotide sequences that have atleast about 45%, 55%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%,94%, 95%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to any of theamino acid sequences of even numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36 or any of thenucleotide sequences of odd numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-36, respectively, aredefined herein as sufficiently identical. Variant proteins encompassedby the present invention are biologically active, that is they continueto possess the desired biological activity of the native protein, thatis, activity as described herein. A biologically active variant of aprotein of the invention can differ from that protein by as few as 1-15amino acid residues, as few as 1-10, such as 6-10, as few as 5, as fewas 4, 3, 2, or even 1 amino acid residue.

In one embodiment of the invention, variants of polypeptides orpolynucleotides of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, or 4 are provided. A variant of apolypeptide or polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 3, or 4 can comprise,in general, amino acid sequences or nucleotide sequences that have atleast about 45%, 55%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%,94%, 95%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to any of theamino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:2 or 4 or any of the nucleotidesequences of SEQ ID NO:1 or 3, respectively. Biologically activevariants can continue to be biologically active (i.e., have oxalatedegrading activity).

In another embodiment of the invention, variants of polypeptides orpolynucleotides of SEQ ID NOS:5-36 are provided. A variant of apolypeptide or polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:5-36 can comprise, ingeneral, amino acid sequences or nucleotide sequences that have at leastabout 45%, 55%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to any of the amino acidsequences of even numbered SEQ ID NOS:5-36 or any of the nucleotidesequences of odd numbered SEQ ID NO:5-36, respectively. Biologicallyactive variants can continue to be biologically active (i.e., haveoxalate degrading activity or any other activity disclosed herein).

Naturally occurring variants can exist within a population (e.g., theLactobacillus Acidophilus population). Such variants can be identifiedby using well-known molecular biology techniques, such as the polymerasechain reaction (PCR), and hybridization as described herein.Synthetically derived nucleotide sequences, for example, sequencesgenerated by site-directed mutagenesis or PCR-mediated mutagenesis whichstill encode a protein, are also included as variants. One or morenucleotide or amino acid substitutions, additions, or deletions can beintroduced into a nucleotide or amino acid sequence disclosed herein,such that the substitutions, additions, or deletions are introduced intothe encoded protein. The additions (insertions) or deletions(truncations) can be made at the N-terminal or C-terminal end of thenative protein, or at one or more sites in the native protein.Similarly, a substitution of one or more nucleotides or amino acids canbe made at one or more sites in the native protein.

For example, conservative amino acid substitutions can be made at one ormore predicted, preferably nonessential, amino acid residues. A“nonessential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered fromthe wild-type sequence of a protein without altering the biologicalactivity, whereas an “essential” amino acid is required for biologicalactivity. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which theamino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue with a similarside chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chainsare known in the art. These families include amino acids with basic sidechains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g.,aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g.,glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine),nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine,proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched sidechains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains(e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Suchsubstitutions would not be made for conserved amino acid residues, orfor amino acid residues residing within a conserved motif, where suchresidues are essential for protein activity.

Alternatively, mutations can be made randomly along all or part of thelength of the coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis. Themutants can be expressed recombinantly, and screened for those thatretain biological activity by assaying for activity using standard assaytechniques. Methods for mutagenesis and nucleotide sequence alterationsare known in the art. See, for example, Kunkel (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 82:488-492; Kunkel et al. (1987) Methods in Enzymol. MolecularBiology (MacMillan Publishing Company, New York) and the referencessited therein. Obviously the mutations made in the DNA encoding thevariant must not disrupt the reading frame and preferably will notcreate complementary regions that could produce secondary mRNAstructure. See, EP Patent Application Publication No. 75,444. Guidanceas to appropriate amino acid substitutions that do not affect biologicalactivity of the protein of interest can be found in the model of Dayhoffet al. (1978) Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure (Natl. Biomed.Res. Found., Washington, D.C.), herein incorporated by reference.

The deletions, insertions, and substitutions of the amino sequencesencompassed herein are not expected to produce radical changes in thecharacteristics of the protein. However, when it is difficult to predictthe exact effect of the substitution, deletion, or insertion in advanceof doing so, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the effect willbe evaluated by routine screening assays.

Variant nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the present inventionalso encompass sequences derived from mutagenic and recombinogenicprocedures such as DNA shuffling. With such a procedure, one or moredifferent protein coding regions can be used to create a new proteinpossessing the desired properties. In this manner, libraries ofrecombinant polynucleotides are generated from a population of relatedsequence polynucleotides comprising sequence regions that havesubstantial sequence identity and can be homologously recombined invitro or in vivo. For example, using this approach, sequence motifsencoding a domain of interest can be shuffled between the gene of theinvention and other known genes to obtain a new gene coding for aprotein with an improved property of interest, such as an increasedK_(m) in the case of an enzyme. Strategies for such DNA shuffling areknown in the art. See, for example, Stemmer (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 91:10747-10751; Stemmer (1994) Nature 370:389-391; Crameri etal. (1997) Nature Biotech. 15:436-438; Moore et al. (1997) J. Mol. Biol.272:336-347; Zhang et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA94:4504-4509; Crameri et al. (1998) Nature 391:288-291; and U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,605,793 and 5,837,458.

Variants of the proteins of this invention can function as eitheragonists (mimetics) or as antagonists. An agonist of the protein canretain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activitiesof the naturally occurring form of the protein. An antagonist of theprotein can inhibit one or more of the activities of the naturallyoccurring form of the protein by, for example, competitively binding toa downstream or upstream member of a cellular signaling cascade thatincludes the protein.

Variants of a protein that function as either agonists or antagonistscan be identified by screening combinatorial libraries of mutants, e.g.,truncation mutants, of a protein for protein agonist or antagonistactivity. In one embodiment, a variegated library of variants isgenerated by combinatorial mutagenesis at the nucleic acid level and isencoded by a variegated gene library. A variegated library of variantscan be produced by, for example, enzymatically ligating a mixture ofsynthetic oligonucleotides into gene sequences such that a degenerateset of potential sequences is expressible as individual polypeptides, oralternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phagedisplay) containing the set of sequences therein. There are a variety ofmethods that can be used to produce libraries of potential variants froma degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Chemical synthesis of adegenerate gene sequence can be performed in an automatic DNAsynthesizer, and the synthetic gene then ligated into an appropriateexpression vector. Use of a degenerate set of genes allows for theprovision, in one mixture, of all of the sequences encoding the desiredset of potential sequences. Methods for synthesizing degenerateoligonucleotides are known in the art (see, e.g., Narang (1983)Tetrahedron 39:3; Itakura et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53:323;Itakura et al. (1984) Science 198:1056; Ike et al. (1983) Nucleic AcidRes. 11:477).

In addition, libraries of fragments of a protein coding sequence can beused to generate a variegated population of fragments for screening andsubsequent selection of variants of a protein. In one embodiment, alibrary of coding sequence fragments can be generated by treating adouble-stranded PCR fragment of a coding sequence with a nuclease underconditions wherein nicking occurs only about once per molecule,denaturing the double-stranded DNA, renaturing the DNA to formdouble-stranded DNA which can include sense/antisense pairs fromdifferent nicked products, removing single-stranded portions fromreformed duplexes by treatment with S1 nuclease, and ligating theresulting fragment library into an expression vector. By this method,one can derive an expression library that encodes N-terminal andinternal fragments of various sizes of the protein.

Several techniques are known in the art for screening gene products ofcombinatorial libraries made by point mutations or truncation and forscreening cDNA libraries for gene products having a selected property.Such techniques are adaptable for rapid screening of the gene librariesgenerated by the combinatorial mutagenesis of proteins. The most widelyused techniques, which are amenable to high through-put analysis, forscreening large gene libraries typically include cloning the genelibrary into replicable expression vectors, transforming appropriatecells with the resulting library of vectors, and expressing thecombinatorial genes under conditions in which detection of a desiredactivity facilitates isolation of the vector encoding the gene whoseproduct was detected. Recursive ensemble mutagenesis (REM), a techniquethat enhances the frequency of functional mutants in the libraries, canbe used in combination with the screening assays to identify variants(Arkin and Yourvan (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:7811-7815;Delgrave et al. (1993) Protein Engineering 6(3):327-331).

Sequence Identity

The sequences are members of multiple families of molecules, withconserved functional features. By “family” is meant two or more proteinsor nucleic acid molecules having sufficient nucleotide or amino acidsequence identity. A family that contains deeply divergent groups can bedivided into subfamilies. A clan is a group of families that are thoughtto have common ancestry. Members of a clan often have a similar tertiarystructure.

By “sequence identity” is meant the nucleotide or amino acid residuesthat are the same when aligning two sequences for maximum correspondenceover a specified comparison window. By “comparison window” is meant acontiguous segment of the two nucleotide sequences or amino acidsequences for optimal alignment, wherein the second sequence can containadditions or deletions (i.e., gaps) as compared to the first sequence.Generally, for nucleotide sequence alignments, the comparison window isat least 20 contiguous nucleotides in length, and optionally can be 30,40, 50, 100, or longer. For amino acid sequence alignments, thecomparison window is at least 6 contiguous amino acids in length, andoptionally can be 10, 15, 20, 30, or longer. Those of skill in the artunderstand that to avoid a high similarity due to inclusion of gaps, agap penalty is typically introduced and is subtracted from the number ofmatches.

Family members can be from the same or different species, and caninclude homologues as well as distinct proteins. Often, members of afamily display common functional characteristics. Homologues can beisolated based on their identity to the nucleic acid sequences disclosedherein using the cDNA, or a portion thereof, as a hybridization probeaccording to standard hybridization techniques under stringenthybridization conditions as disclosed below.

To determine the percent identity of two amino acid or nucleotidesequences, an alignment is performed. Percent identity of the twosequences is a function of the number of identical residues shared bythe two sequences in the comparison window (i.e., percentidentity=number of identical residues/total number of residues×100). Inone embodiment, the sequences are the same length. Methods similar tothose mentioned below can be used to determine the percent identitybetween two sequences. The methods can be used with or without allowinggaps. Alignment can also be performed manually by inspection.

When amino acid sequences differ in conservative substitutions, thepercent identity can be adjusted upwards to correct for the conservativenature of the substitution. Means for making this adjustment are knownin the art. Typically the conservative substitution is scored as apartial, rather than a full mismatch, thereby increasing the percentagesequence identity.

Mathematical algorithms can be used to determine the percent identity oftwo sequences. Non-limiting examples of mathematical algorithms are thealgorithm of Karlin and Altschul (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA87:2264, modified as in Karlin and Altschul (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 90:5873-5877; the algorithm of Myers and Miller (1988) CABIOS4:11-17; the local homology algorithm of Smith et al. (1981) Adv. Appl.Math. 2:482; the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch(1970) J. Mol. Biol. 48:443-453; and the search-for-similarity-method ofPearson and Lipman (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444-2448.

Various computer implementations based on these mathematical algorithmshave been designed to enable the determination of sequence identity. TheBLAST programs of Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403 are basedon the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul (1990) supra. Searches to obtainnucleotide sequences that are homologous to nucleotide sequences of thepresent invention can be performed with the BLASTN program, score=100,wordlength=12. To obtain amino acid sequences homologous to sequencesencoding a protein or polypeptide of the current invention, the BLASTXprogram can be used, score=50, wordlength=3. Gapped alignments can beobtained by using Gapped BLAST as described in Altschul et al. (1997)Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389. To detect distant relationships betweenmolecules, PSI-BLAST can be used. See Altschul et al. (1997) supra. Forall of the BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respectiveprograms can be used.

Another program that can be used to determine percent sequence identityis the ALIGN program (version 2.0), which uses the mathematicalalgorithm of Myers and Miller (1988) supra. A PAM120 weight residuetable, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be usedwith this program when comparing amino acid sequences.

In addition to the ALIGN and BLAST programs, the BESTFIT, GAP, FASTA andTFASTA programs are part of the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package(from GCG, Madison, Wis.), and can be used for performing sequencealignments. The preferred program is GAP version 10, which used thealgorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (1970) supra. Unless otherwise stated,sequence identity/similarity values provided herein refer to the valueobtained using GAP Version 10 using the following parameters: % identityand % similarity for a nucleotide sequence using GAP Weight of 50 andLength Weight of 3, and the nwsgapdna.cmp scoring matrix; % identity and% similarity for an amino acid sequence using GAP Weight of 8 and LengthWeight of 2, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix; or any equivalent programthereof. Other equivalent programs can also be used. By “equivalentprogram” is meant any sequence comparison program that, for any twosequences in question, generates an alignment having identicalnucleotide or amino acid residue matches and an identical percentsequence identity when compared to the corresponding alignment generatedby GAP Version 10.

Identification and Isolation of Homologous Sequences

Nucleotide sequences identified based on their sequence identity to thenucleotide sequences set forth herein, or to fragments and variantsthereof, are encompassed by the present invention. Methods such as PCRor hybridization can be used to identify sequences from a cDNA orgenomic library, for example that are substantially identical to thesequences of the invention. See, for example, Sambrook et al. (1989)Molecular Cloning: Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring HarborLaboratory Press, Plainview, N.Y.) and Innis, et al. (1990) PCRProtocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications (Academic Press, NY).Methods for construction of such cDNA and genomic libraries aregenerally known in the art and are also disclosed in the abovereferences.

In hybridization techniques, the hybridization probes can be genomic DNAfragments, cDNA fragments, RNA fragments, or other oligonucleotides, andcan consist of all or part of a known nucleotide sequence disclosedherein. In addition, they can be labeled with a detectable group such as³²P, or any other detectable marker, such as other radioisotopes, afluorescence compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor. Probes forhybridization can be made by labeling synthetic oligonucleotides basedon the known nucleotide sequences disclosed herein. Degenerate primersdesigned on the basis of conserved nucleotides or amino acid residues ina known nucleotide sequence or encoded amino acid sequence canadditionally be used. The hybridization probe typically comprises anucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to atleast about 10, preferably about 20, more preferably about 50, 75, 100,125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400 consecutive nucleotides of anucleic acid of the invention or a fragment or variant thereof. Toachieve specific hybridization under a variety of conditions, suchprobes can include sequences that are unique with respect to the encodedamino acid sequence. Preparation of probes for hybridization isgenerally known in the art and is disclosed in Sambrook et al. (1989)Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring HarborLaboratory Press, Plainview, N.Y.), herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the entire nucleotide sequence encoding a protein isused as a probe to identify novel nucleic acid sequences and messengerRNAs. In another embodiment, the probe is a fragment of a nucleotidesequence disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequencethat hybridizes under stringent conditions to the probe can be at leastabout 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350,375, 400, 425, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000,4000, 5000, or more nucleotides in length.

Substantially identical sequences will hybridize to each other understringent conditions. By “stringent conditions” is meant conditionsunder which a probe will hybridize to its target sequence to adetectably greater degree than to other sequences (e.g., at least 2-foldover background). Generally, stringent conditions encompasses thoseconditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotidesequences having at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, preferably 75% sequenceidentity typically remain hybridized to each other. Stringent conditionsare known in the art and can be found in Current Protocols in MolecularBiology (John Wiley & Sons, New York (1989)), 6.3.1-6.3.6.

Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will differ in differentcircumstances. Full-length or partial nucleic acid sequences can be usedto obtain homologues and orthologs encompassed by the present invention.By “orthologs” are meant genes derived from a common ancestral gene andwhich are found in different species as a result of speciation. Genesfound in different species are considered orthologs when theirnucleotide sequences and/or their encoded protein sequences sharesubstantial identity as defined elsewhere herein. Functions of orthologsare often highly conserved among species.

When using probes, stringent conditions will be those in which the saltconcentration is less than about 1.5 M Na ion, typically about 0.01 to1.0 M Na ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and thetemperature is at least about 30° C. for short probes (e.g., 10 to 50nucleotides) and at least about 60° C. for long probes (e.g., greaterthan 50 nucleotides).

The post-hybridization washes are instrumental in controllingspecificity. The two critical factors are ionic strength and temperatureof the final wash solution. For the detection of sequences thathybridize to a full-length or approximately full-length target sequence,the temperature under stringent conditions is selected to be about 5° C.lower than the thermal melting point (T_(m)) for the specific sequenceat a defined ionic strength and pH. However, stringent conditions wouldencompass temperatures in the range of 1° C. to 20° C. lower than theT_(m), depending on the desired degree of stringency as otherwisequalified herein. For DNA-DNA hybrids, the T_(m) can be determined usingthe equation of Meinkoth and Wahl (1984) Anal. Biochem. 138:267-284:T_(m)=81.5° C.+16.6 (logM)+0.41 (% GC)−0.61 (% form)−500/L; where M isthe molarity of monovalent cations, % GC is the percentage of guanosineand cytosine nucleotides in the DNA, % form is the percentage offormamide in the hybridization solution, and L is the length of thehybrid in base pairs. The T_(m) is the temperature (under defined ionicstrength and pH) at which 50% of a complementary target sequencehybridizes to a perfectly matched probe.

The ability to detect sequences with varying degrees of homology can beobtained by varying the stringency of the hybridization and/or washingconditions. To target sequences that are 100% identical (homologousprobing), stringency conditions must be obtained that do not allowmismatching. By allowing mismatching of nucleotide residues to occur,sequences with a lower degree of similarity can be detected(heterologous probing). For every 1% of mismatching, the T_(m) isreduced about 1° C.; therefore, hybridization and/or wash conditions canbe manipulated to allow hybridization of sequences of a targetpercentage identity. For example, if sequences with ≧90% sequenceidentity are preferred, the T_(m) can be decreased by 10° C. Twonucleotide sequences could be substantially identical, but fail tohybridize to each other under stringent conditions, if the polypeptidesthey encode are substantially identical. This situation could arise, forexample, if the maximum codon degeneracy of the genetic code is used tocreate a copy of a nucleic acid.

Exemplary low stringency conditions include hybridization with a buffersolution of 30-35% formamide, 1 M NaCl, 1% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)at 37° C., and a wash in 1× to 2×SSC (20×SSC=3.0 M NaCl/0.3 M trisodiumcitrate) at 50 to 55° C. Exemplary moderate stringency conditionsinclude hybridization in 40 to 45% formamide, 1.0 M NaCl, 1% SDS at 37°C., and a wash in 0.5× to 1×SSC at 55 to 60° C. Exemplary highstringency conditions include hybridization in 50% formamide, 1 M NaCl,1% SDS at 37° C., and a wash in 0.1×SSC at 60 to 65° C. Optionally, washbuffers can comprise about 0.1% to about 1% SDS. Duration ofhybridization is generally less than about 24 hours, usually about 4 toabout 12 hours. An extensive guide to the hybridization of nucleic acidsis found in Tijssen (1993) Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry andMolecular Biology—Hybridization with Nucleic Acid Probes, Part I,Chapter 2 (Elsevier, New York); and Ausubel et al., eds. (1995) CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology, Chapter 2 (Greene Publishing andWiley-Interscience, New York). See Sambrook et al. (1989) MolecularCloning. A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Plainview, N.Y.). All of these references are incorporated hereinin their entireties.

In amplification protocols, such as a PCR approach, oligonucleotideprimers can be designed for use in PCR reactions to amplifycorresponding DNA sequences from cDNA or genomic DNA extracted from anyorganism of interest. PCR primers are preferably at least about 10 or 15nucleotides in length, and most preferably at least about 20, 25 or 30nucleotides in length. Methods for designing PCR primers and PCR cloningare generally known in the art and are disclosed in Sambrook et al.(1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, Plainview, N.Y.). See also Innis et al., eds.(1990) PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications (AcademicPress, New York); Innis and Gelfand, eds. (1995) PCR Strategies(Academic Press, New York); and Innis and Gelfand, eds. (1999) PCRMethods Manual (Academic Press, New York). Known methods of PCR include,but are not limited to, methods using paired primers, nested primers,single specific primers, degenerate primers, gene-specific primers,vector-specific primers, partially-mismatched primers, and the like.

Assays

Assays to detect expression of the disclosed polypeptides and/or nucleicacid molecules as well as their disclosed activity in a sample areprovided herein. An exemplary method for detecting the presence orabsence of a disclosed nucleic acid or protein comprising the disclosedpolypeptide in a sample involves obtaining a sample from afood/dairy/feed product, starter culture (mother, seed, bulk/set,concentrated, dried, lyophilized, frozen), cultured food/dairy/feedproduct, dietary supplement, bioprocessing fermentate, or a subject thathas ingested a probiotic material, and contacting the sample with acompound or an agent capable of interacting with the disclosedpolypeptides or nucleic acids (e.g., an mRNA or genomic DNA comprisingthe disclosed nucleic acid or fragment thereof) in a manner such thatthe presence of the disclosed nucleic acid or protein is detected in thesample. Results obtained with a sample from the food, supplement,culture, product or subject can be compared to results obtained with asample from a control, food, supplement culture, product or subject.

In some embodiments, one agent for detecting an mRNA or genomic DNAcomprising a disclosed nucleotide sequence is a labeled nucleic acidprobe capable of hybridizing to the disclosed nucleotide sequence of themRNA or genomic DNA. The nucleic acid probe can be, for example, adisclosed nucleic acid molecule, such as a nucleic acid comprising anucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1 or 3 or a fragment orvariant thereof or odd numbered SEQ ID NO:5-36 or a variant or fragmentthereof, such as a nucleic acid molecule of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500nucleotides in length, including any number between 5 and 500 notspecifically recited herein (e.g., 16, 34, 172), and sufficient tospecifically hybridize under stringent conditions to the mRNA or genomicDNA comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequence. Other suitable probesfor use in the assays of the invention are described herein.

In other embodiments, one agent for detecting a protein comprising adisclosed amino acid sequence is an antibody capable of binding to thedisclosed polypeptide, preferably an antibody with a detectable label orcapable of being detected. Antibodies can be polyclonal, or morepreferably, monoclonal. An intact antibody, or a fragment thereof (e.g.,Fab or F(ab′)₂) can be used. The term “labeled,” with regard to a probeor antibody, is meant to encompass direct labeling of the probe orantibody by coupling (i.e., physically linking) a detectable substanceto the probe or antibody, as well as indirect labeling of the probe orantibody by reactivity with another (i.e., secondary) reagent that isdirectly labeled. Examples of indirect labeling include detection of aprimary antibody using a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody andend-labeling of a DNA probe with biotin such that it can be detectedwith fluorescently labeled streptavidin.

The term “sample” is meant to include tissues, cells, and biologicalfluids present in or isolated from a subject, as well as cells fromstarter cultures or food products carrying such cultures, or derivedfrom the use of such cultures. That is, the detection methods of theinvention can be used to detect nucleic acid or protein of thisinvention in a sample both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro techniques fordetection of mRNA comprising a disclosed sequence include Northernhybridizations and in situ hybridizations. In vitro techniques fordetection of a protein comprising a disclosed amino acid sequenceinclude enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), Western blots,immunoprecipitations, and immunofluorescence. In vitro techniques fordetection of DNA comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequences includeSouthern hybridizations. Furthermore, in vivo techniques for detectionof a protein comprising a disclosed amino acid sequence includeintroducing into a subject a labeled antibody against the disclosedpolypeptide. For example, the antibody can be labeled with a radioactivemarker whose presence and location in a subject can be detected bystandard imaging techniques.

In one embodiment, the sample contains protein molecules from a testsubject that has consumed a probiotic material. Alternatively, thesample can contain mRNA or genomic DNA from a starter culture.

The invention also encompasses kits for detecting the presence ofdisclosed nucleic acids or proteins in a sample. Such kits can be usedto determine if a microbe expressing a specific polypeptide of theinvention is present in a food product or starter culture, or in asubject that has consumed a probiotic material. For example, the kit cancomprise a labeled compound or agent capable of detecting a disclosedpolypeptide or nucleic acid in a sample and means for determining theamount of a the disclosed polypeptide or nucleic acid in the sample(e.g., an antibody that recognizes the disclosed polypeptide or anoligonucleotide probe that binds to DNA encoding a disclosedpolypeptide, e.g., as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:2 or 4, or SEQ IDNOS:5-36). Kits can also include instructions detailing the use of suchcompounds.

For antibody-based kits, the kit can comprise, for example: (1) a firstantibody (e.g., attached to a solid support) that binds to a disclosedpolypeptide; and, optionally, (2) a second, different antibody thatbinds to the disclosed polypeptide or the first antibody and isconjugated to a detectable agent. For oligonucleotide-based kits, thekit can comprise, for example: (1) an oligonucleotide, e.g., adetectably labeled oligonucleotide, that hybridizes to a disclosednucleic acid sequence or (2) a pair of primers useful for amplifying adisclosed nucleic acid molecule, and optionally a probe for detectingthe amplification product.

The kit can also comprise, e.g., a buffering agent, a preservative, or aprotein stabilizing agent. The kit can also comprise componentsnecessary for detecting the detectable agent (e.g., an enzyme or asubstrate). The kit can also contain a control sample or a series ofcontrol samples that can be assayed and compared to the test samplecontained. Each component of the kit is usually enclosed within anindividual container, and all of the various containers are within asingle package along with instructions for use.

In one embodiment, the kit comprises multiple probes in an array format,such as those described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,412,087,5,545,531, and PCT Publication No. WO 95/00530, herein incorporated byreference. Probes for use in the array can be synthesized eitherdirectly onto the surface of the array, as disclosed in PCT PublicationNo. WO 95/00530, or prior to immobilization onto the array surface(Gait, ed., Oligonucleotide synthesis a practical approach, IRL Press:Oxford, England, 1984). The probes can be immobilized onto the surfaceusing techniques well known to one of skill in the art, such as thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,087. Probes can be a nucleic acid orpeptide sequence, preferably purified, or an antibody.

The arrays can be used to screen organisms, samples, or products fordifferences in their genomic, cDNA, polypeptide or antibody content,including the presence or absence of specific sequences or proteins, aswell as the concentration of those materials. Binding to a capture probeis detected, for example, by signal generated from a label attached tothe nucleic acid molecule comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequence,a polypeptide comprising the disclosed amino acid sequence, or anantibody. The method can include contacting the molecule comprising thedisclosed nucleic acid, polypeptide, or antibody with a first arrayhaving a plurality of capture probes and a second array having adifferent plurality of capture probes. The results of each hybridizationcan be compared to analyze differences in expression between a first andsecond sample. The first plurality of capture probes can be from acontrol sample, e.g., a wild type lactic acid bacteria, or controlsubject, e.g., a food, dietary supplement, starter culture sample or abiological fluid. The second plurality of capture probes can be from anexperimental sample, e.g., a mutant type lactic acid bacteria, orsubject that has consumed a probiotic material, e.g., a starter culturesample or a biological fluid.

These assays can be especially useful in microbial selection and qualitycontrol procedures where the detection of unwanted materials isessential. The detection of particular nucleotide sequences orpolypeptides can also be useful in determining the genetic compositionof food, fermentation products, or industrial microbes, or microbespresent in the digestive system of animals or humans that have consumedprobiotics.

Antisense Nucleotide Sequences

The present invention also encompasses antisense nucleic acid molecules,i.e., molecules that are complementary to a sense nucleic acid encodinga protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-strandedcDNA molecule, or complementary to an mRNA sequence. Accordingly, anantisense nucleic acid can hydrogen bond to a sense nucleic acid. Theantisense nucleic acid can be complementary to an entire coding strand,or to only a portion thereof, e.g., all or part of the protein codingregion (or open reading frame). An antisense nucleic acid molecule canbe antisense to a noncoding region of the coding strand of a nucleotidesequence encoding a protein. The noncoding regions are the 5′ and 3′sequences that flank the coding region and are not translated into aminoacids. Antisense nucleotide sequences are useful in disrupting theexpression of the target gene. Antisense constructions having 70% or75%, preferably 80%, and more preferably 85% or 90% sequence identity tothe corresponding sequence can be used.

Given the coding-strand sequence encoding a polypeptide disclosed herein(e.g., SEQ ID NO:2 or 4 or even numbered SEQ ID NOS:5-36), antisensenucleic acids of the invention can be designed according to the rules ofWatson and Crick base pairing. The antisense nucleic acid molecule canbe complementary to the entire coding region of a mRNA, but morepreferably is an oligonucleotide that is antisense to only a portion ofthe coding or noncoding region of a mRNA. For example, the antisenseoligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding thetranslation start site of an mRNA. An antisense oligonucleotide can be,for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 150,200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500 nucleotides in length, or it can be100, 200 nucleotides, or greater in length. An antisense nucleic acid ofthe invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymaticligation procedures known in the art.

For example, an antisense nucleic acid (e.g., an antisenseoligonucleotide) can be chemically synthesized using naturally occurringnucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase thebiological stability of the molecules or to increase the physicalstability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleicacids, including, but not limited to, for example e.g., phosphorothioatederivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides. Alternatively, theantisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expressionvector into which a nucleic acid has been subcloned in an antisenseorientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid willbe of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid of interest).

An antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention can be an α-anomericnucleic acid molecule. An α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule formsspecific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which,contrary to the usual β-units, the strands run parallel to each other(Gaultier et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15:6625-6641). The antisensenucleic acid molecule can also comprise a 2′-o-methylribonucleotide(Inoue et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15:6131-6148) or a chimericRNA-DNA analogue (Inoue et al. (1987) FEBS Lett. 215:327-330).

The invention also encompasses ribozymes, which are catalytic RNAmolecules with ribonuclease activity that are capable of cleaving asingle-stranded nucleic acid, such as an mRNA, to which they have acomplementary region. Ribozymes (e.g., hammerhead ribozymes (describedin Haselhoff and Gerlach (1988) Nature 334:585-591)) can be used tocatalytically cleave mRNA transcripts to thereby inhibit translation ofmRNA. A ribozyme having specificity for an encoding nucleic acid can bedesigned based upon the nucleotide sequence of a nucleotide disclosedherein (e.g., odd numbered SEQ ID NOS:1-2556). See, e.g., Cech et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071; and Cech et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742.Alternatively, mRNA can be used to select a catalytic RNA having aspecific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g.,Bartel and Szostak (1993) Science 261:1411-1418.

The invention also encompasses nucleic acid molecules that form triplehelical structures. For example, gene expression can be inhibited bytargeting nucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region ofthe protein (e.g., the promoter and/or enhancers) to form triple helicalstructures that prevent transcription of the gene in target cells. Seegenerally Helene (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6(6):569; Helene (1992)Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27; and Maher (1992) Bioassays 14(12):807.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention can bemodified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone toimprove, e.g., the stability, hybridization, or solubility of themolecule. For example, the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of the nucleicacids can be modified to generate peptide nucleic acids (see Hyrup etal. (1996) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 4:5). As used herein, theterms “peptide nucleic acids” or “PNAs” refer to nucleic acid mimics,e.g., DNA mimics, in which the deoxyribose phosphate backbone isreplaced by a pseudopeptide backbone and only the four naturalnucleobases are retained. The neutral backbone of PNAs has been shown toallow for specific hybridization to DNA and RNA under conditions of lowionic strength. The synthesis of PNA oligomers can be performed usingstandard solid-phase peptide synthesis protocols as described, forexample, in Hyrup et al. (1996), supra; Perry-O'Keefe et al. (1996)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:14670.

PNAs can be used as antisense or antigene agents for sequence-specificmodulation of gene expression by, e.g., inducing transcription ortranslation arrest or inhibiting replication. PNAs of the invention canalso be used, e.g., in the analysis of single base pair mutations in agene by, e.g., PNA-directed PCR clamping; as artificial restrictionenzymes when used in combination with other enzymes, e.g., S1 nucleases(Hyrup (1996), supra); or as probes or primers for DNA sequence andhybridization (Hyrup (1996), supra; Perry-O'Keefe et al. (1996), supra).

In another embodiment, PNAs of a molecule can be modified, e.g., toenhance their stability, specificity, or cellular uptake, by attachinglipophilic or other helper groups to PNA, by the formation of PNA-DNAchimeras, or by the use of liposomes or other techniques of drugdelivery known in the art. The synthesis of PNA-DNA chimeras can beperformed as described in Hyrup (1996), supra; Finn et al. (1996)Nucleic Acids Res. 24(17):3357-63; Mag et al. (1989) Nucleic Acids Res.17:5973; and Peterson et al. (1975) Bioorganic Med. Chem. Lett. 5:1119.

Fusion Proteins

The invention also includes chimeric or fusion proteins. A “chimericprotein” or “fusion protein” comprises a first polypeptide operablylinked (e.g., fused in-frame) to a second polypeptide. A “firstpolypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequencecorresponding to a first protein, whereas a “second polypeptide” refersto a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to aprotein that is not substantially identical to the first protein, andwhich is derived from the same or a different organism. Within a fusionprotein, the polypeptide can correspond to all or a portion of aprotein, preferably including at least one biologically active portionof a protein. Within the fusion protein, the term “operably linked” ismeant to indicate that the first polypeptide and the second polypeptideare fused in-frame to each other. The second polypeptide can be fused tothe N-terminus or C-terminus of the first polypeptide.

Expression of the linked coding sequences results in two linkedheterologous amino acid sequences which form the fusion protein. Thecarrier sequence (the second polypeptide) encodes a carrier polypeptidethat, for example, potentiates or increases expression of the fusionprotein in the bacterial host. The portion of the fusion protein encodedby the carrier sequence, i.e., the carrier polypeptide, can be a proteinfragment, an entire functional moiety, or an entire protein sequence.The carrier region or polypeptide can additionally be designed to beused in purifying the fusion protein, either with antibodies or withaffinity purification specific for that carrier polypeptide. Likewise,physical properties of the carrier polypeptide can be exploited to allowselective purification of the fusion protein.

Particular carrier polypeptides of interest include superoxide dismutase(SOD), maltose-binding protein (MBP), glutathione-S-transferase (GST),an N-terminal histidine (His) tag, and the like. This list is notintended to be limiting, as any carrier polypeptide that potentiatesexpression of the protein as a fusion protein can be used in the methodsof the invention.

In one embodiment, the fusion protein is a GST-fusion protein in whichthe sequences are fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequences. Inanother embodiment, the fusion protein is an immunoglobulin fusionprotein in which all or part of a protein is fused to sequences derivedfrom a member of the immunoglobulin protein family. The immunoglobulinfusion proteins of the invention can be used as immunogens to produceantibodies in a subject, to purify ligands, and in screening assays toidentify molecules that inhibit the interaction of a protein with aligand.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fusion protein has the abilityto modify the functional properties of a bacterial cell. By “functionalproperties” is meant a bacterium's ability to perform certain non-nativefunctions, such as those, for example, related to adhesion, immunestimulation, or lysis. The protein can include, but is not limited to,an antibody, an enzyme, an antigen, a protein with bactericidalactivity, or a protein with receptor-binding activity. By “bactericidalactivity” is meant the ability to kill one or more bacteria. By“receptor-binding activity” is meant the ability to bind to a receptoron a cell membrane, cell surface, or in solution. Methods to assess theability of a fusion protein expressed on the surface of gram-positivebacteria to be used as a vaccine are known in the art (see, for example,Fischetti et al. (1996) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 7:659-666; Pouwels etal. (1998) Int. J. Food Microbiol. 41:155-167).

One of skill in the art will recognize that the particular carrierpolypeptide can be chosen with the purification scheme in mind. Forexample, His tags, GST, and maltose-binding protein represent carrierpolypeptides that have readily available affinity columns to which theycan be bound and eluted. Thus, where the carrier polypeptide is anN-terminal His tag such as hexahistidine (His₆ tag), the fusion proteincan be purified using a matrix comprising a metal-chelating resin, forexample, nickel nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA), nickel iminodiaceticacid (Ni-IDA), and cobalt-containing resin (Co-resin). See, for example,Steinert et al. (1997) QIAGEN News 4:11-15, herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. Where the carrier polypeptide is GST, thefusion protein can be purified using a matrix comprisingglutathione-agarose beads (Sigma or Pharmacia Biotech); where thecarrier polypeptide is a maltose-binding protein (MBP), the fusionprotein can be purified using a matrix comprising an agarose resinderivatized with amylose.

Preferably, a chimeric or fusion protein of the invention is produced bystandard recombinant DNA techniques. For example, DNA fragments codingfor the different polypeptide sequences can be ligated togetherin-frame, or the fusion nucleotide sequence can be synthesized, such aswith automated DNA synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification ofnucleic acid fragments can be carried out using anchor primers that giverise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive nucleic acidfragments, which can subsequently be annealed and re-amplified togenerate a chimeric nucleotide sequence (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., eds.(1995) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology) (Greene Publishing andWiley-Interscience, NY). Moreover, a FOS-related-protein-encodingnucleic acid can be cloned into a commercially available expressionvector such that it is linked in-frame to an existing fusion moiety.

The fusion protein expression vector is typically designed for ease ofremoving the carrier polypeptide to allow the protein to retain thenative biological activity associated with it. Methods for cleavage offusion proteins are known in the art. See, for example, Ausubel et al.,eds. (1998) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley & Sons,Inc.). Chemical cleavage of the fusion protein can be accomplished withreagents such as cyanogen bromide,2-(2-nitrophenylsulphenyl)-3-methyl-3′-bromoindolenine, hydroxylamine,or low pH. Chemical cleavage is often accomplished under denaturingconditions to cleave otherwise insoluble fusion proteins.

Where separation of the polypeptide from the carrier polypeptide isdesired and a cleavage site at the junction between these fusedpolypeptides is not naturally occurring, the fusion construct can bedesigned to contain a specific protease cleavage site to facilitateenzymatic cleavage and removal of the carrier polypeptide. In thismanner, a linker sequence comprising a coding sequence for a peptidethat has a cleavage site. specific for an enzyme of interest can befused in-frame between the coding sequence for the carrier polypeptide(for example, MBP, GST, SOD, or an N-terminal His tag) and the codingsequence for the polypeptide. Suitable enzymes having specificity forcleavage sites include, but are not limited to, factor Xa, thrombin,enterokinase, remin, collagenase, and tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease.Cleavage sites for these enzymes are well known in the art. Thus, forexample, where factor Xa is to be used to cleave the carrier polypeptidefrom the polypeptide, the fusion construct can be designed to comprise alinker sequence encoding a factor Xa-sensitive cleavage site, forexample, the sequence IEGR (see, for example, Nagai and Thøgersen (1984)Nature 309:810-812, Nagai and Thøgersen (1987) Meth. Enzymol.153:461-481, and Pryor and Leiting (1997) Protein Expr. Purif10(3):309-319, herein incorporated by reference). Where thrombin is tobe used to cleave the carrier polypeptide from the polypeptide, thefusion construct can be designed to comprise a linker sequence encodinga thrombin-sensitive cleavage site, for example the sequence LVPRGS orVIAGR (see, for example, Pryor and Leiting (1997) Protein Expr. Purif.10(3):309-319, and Hong et al. (1997) Chin. Med. Sci. J. 12(3): 143-147,respectively, herein incorporated by reference). Cleavage sites for TEVprotease are known in the art. See, for example, the cleavage sitesdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,142, herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. See also the discussion in Ausubel et al., eds. (1998)Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.),Chapter 16.

Antibodies

An isolated polypeptide of the present invention can be used as animmunogen to generate antibodies that specifically bind proteins, orstimulate production of antibodies in vivo. The full-length protein canbe used as an immunogen or, alternatively, antigenic peptide fragmentsof proteins as described herein can be used. The antigenic peptide of aprotein can comprise at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50amino acid residues, or any number in between 5 and 50 not specificallyrecited herein (e.g., 12, 27, 43) of the amino acid sequences as setforth in SEQ ID NOS:2 or 4 or even numbered SEQ ID NO:5-36 or variantsand fragments thereof and encompasses an epitope of an protein such thatan antibody raised against the peptide forms a specific immune complexwith the protein. Preferred epitopes encompassed by the antigenicpeptide are regions of a protein that are located on the surface of theprotein, e.g., hydrophilic regions.

Recombinant Expression Vectors

The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be included invectors, preferably expression vectors. “Vector” refers to a nucleicacid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which ithas been linked. Expression vectors include one or more regulatorysequences and direct the expression of nucleic acids to which they areoperably linked. By “operably linked” is meant that the nucleotidesequence of interest is linked to the regulatory sequence(s) such thatexpression of the nucleotide sequence is allowed (e.g., in an in vitrotranscription/translation system or in a cell when the vector isintroduced into the cell). As used herein, “heterologous” in referenceto a sequence is a sequence that originates from a foreign species, or,if from the same species, is substantially modified from its native formin composition and/or genomic locus by deliberate human intervention.For example, a promoter operably linked to a heterologous polynucleotideis from a species different from the species from which thepolynucleotide was derived, or, if from the same/analogous species, oneor both are substantially modified from their original form and/orgenomic locus, or the promoter is not the native promoter for theoperably linked polynucleotide. The term “regulatory sequence” is meantto include, for example, controllable transcriptional promoters,operators, enhancers, transcriptional terminators, and/or otherexpression control elements such as translational control sequences(e.g., Shine-Dalgarno consensus sequence, initiation and terminationcodons). These regulatory sequences will differ, for example, dependingon the cell being used.

The vectors can be autonomously replicated in a cell (episomal vectors),or can be integrated into the genome of a cell, and replicated alongwith the cell's genome (non-episomal mammalian vectors). Integratingvectors typically contain at least one sequence homologous to thebacterial chromosome that allows for recombination to occur betweenhomologous DNA in the vector and the bacterial chromosome. Integratingvectors can also comprise bacteriophage or transposon sequences.Episomal vectors, or plasmids are circular double-stranded DNA loopsinto which additional DNA segments can be ligated. Plasmids capable ofstable maintenance in a host are generally the preferred form ofexpression vectors when using recombinant DNA techniques.

The expression constructs or vectors encompassed in the presentinvention comprise a nucleic acid construct of the invention in a formsuitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a cell. Expression inprokaryotic cells is encompassed in the present invention. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of theexpression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the cellto be transformed, the level of production of protein desired, etc. Theexpression vectors of the invention can be introduced into cells tothereby produce proteins or peptides, including fusion proteins orpeptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., proteins,mutant forms of proteins, fusion proteins, etc.).

Regulatory sequences include those that direct constitutive expressionof a nucleotide sequence as well as those that direct inducibleexpression of the nucleotide sequence only under certain conditions. Abacterial promoter is any DNA sequence capable of binding bacterial RNApolymerase and initiating the downstream (3′) transcription of a codingsequence (e.g., structural gene) into mRNA. A promoter will have atranscription initiation region, which is usually placed proximal to the5′ end of the coding sequence. This transcription initiation regiontypically includes an RNA polymerase binding site and a transcriptioninitiation site. A bacterial promoter can also have a second domaincalled an operator, which can overlap an adjacent RNA polymerase bindingsite at which RNA synthesis begins. The operator permits negativeregulated (inducible) transcription, as a gene repressor protein canbind the operator and thereby inhibit transcription of a specific gene.Constitutive expression can occur in the absence of negative regulatoryelements, such as the operator. In addition, positive regulation can beachieved by a gene activator protein binding sequence, which, if presentis usually proximal (5′) to the RNA polymerase binding sequence.

An example of a gene activator protein is the catabolite activatorprotein (CAP), which helps initiate transcription of the lac operon inEscherichia coli (Raibaud et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Genet. 18:173).Regulated expression can therefore be either positive or negative,thereby either enhancing or reducing transcription. Other examples ofpositive and negative regulatory elements are well known in the art.Various promoters that can be included in the protein expression systeminclude, but are not limited to, a T7/LacO hybrid promoter, a trppromoter, a T7 promoter, a lac promoter, and a bacteriophage lambdapromoter. Any suitable promoter can be used to carry out the presentinvention, including the native promoter or a heterologous promoter.Heterologous promoters can be constitutively active or inducible. Anon-limiting example of a heterologous promoter is given in U.S. Pat.No. 6,242,194 to Kullen and Klaenhammer.

Sequences encoding metabolic pathway enzymes provide particularly usefulpromoter sequences. Examples include promoter sequences derived fromsugar metabolizing enzymes, such as galactose, lactose (lac) (Chang etal. (1987) Nature 198:1056), and maltose. Additional examples includepromoter sequences derived from biosynthetic enzymes such as tryptophan(trp) (Goeddel et al. (1980) Nucleic Acids Res. 8:4057; Yelverton et al.(1981) Nucleic Acids Res. 9:731; U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,921; EPOPublication Nos. 36,776 and 121,775). The beta-lactamase (bla) promotersystem (Weissmann (1981) “The Cloning of Interferon and Other Mistakes,”in Interferon 3 (ed. I. Gresser); bacteriophage lambda PL (Shimatake etal. (1981) Nature 292:128); the arabinose-inducible araB promoter (U.S.Pat. No. 5,028,530); and T5 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,406) promoter systemsalso provide useful promoter sequences. See also Balbas (2001) Mol.Biotech. 19:251-267, where E. coli expression systems are discussed.

In addition, synthetic promoters that do not occur in nature alsofunction as bacterial promoters. For example, transcription activationsequences of one bacterial or bacteriophage promoter can be joined withthe operon sequences of another bacterial or bacteriophage promoter,creating a synthetic hybrid promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,433). Forexample, the tac (Amann et al. (1983) Gene 25:167; de Boer et al. (1983)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 80:21) and trc (Brosius et al. (1985) J. Biol.Chem. 260:3539-3541) promoters are hybrid trp-lac promoters comprised ofboth trp promoter and lac operon sequences that are regulated by the lacrepressor. The tac promoter has the additional feature of being aninducible regulatory sequence. Thus, for example, expression of a codingsequence operably linked to the tac promoter can be induced in a cellculture by adding isopropyl-1-thio-β-D-galactoside (IPTG). Furthermore,a bacterial promoter can include naturally occurring promoters ofnon-bacterial origin that have the ability to bind bacterial RNApolymerase and initiate transcription. A naturally occurring promoter ofnon-bacterial origin can also be coupled with a compatible RNApolymerase to produce high levels of expression of some genes inprokaryotes. The bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase/promoter system is anexample of a coupled promoter system (Studier et al. (1986) J. Mol.Biol. 189:113; Tabor et al. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 82:1074). Inaddition, a hybrid promoter can also be comprised of a bacteriophagepromoter and an E. coli operator region (EPO Publication No. 267,851).

The vector can additionally comprise a nucleic acid encoding therepressor (or inducer) for that promoter. For example, an induciblevector of the present invention can regulate transcription from the Lacoperator (LacO) by expressing a nucleic acid encoding the LacI repressorprotein. Other examples include the use of the lexA gene to regulateexpression of pRecA, and the use of trpO to regulate ptrp. Alleles ofsuch genes that increase the extent of repression (e.g., lacIq) or thatmodify the manner of induction (e.g., λ.CI857, rendering λ.pLthermo-inducible, or λ.CI+, rendering λ.pL chemo-inducible) can beemployed.

In addition to a functioning promoter sequence, an efficientribosome-binding site is also useful for the expression of the fusionconstruct. In prokaryotes, the ribosome binding site is called theShine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence and includes an initiation codon (ATG) anda sequence 3-9 nucleotides in length located 3-11 nucleotides upstreamof the initiation codon (Shine et al. (1975) Nature 254:34). The SDsequence is thought to promote binding of mRNA to the ribosome by thepairing of bases between the SD sequence and the 3′ end of bacterial 16SrRNA (Steitz et al. (1979) “Genetic Signals and Nucleotide Sequences inMessenger RNA,” in Biological Regulation and Development: GeneExpression (ed. R. F. Goldberger, Plenum Press, NY).

Proteins can also be secreted from the cell by creating chimeric DNAmolecules that encode a protein comprising a signal peptide sequencethat provides for secretion of the polypeptide in bacteria (U.S. Pat.No. 4,336,336). The signal sequence fragment typically encodes a signalpeptide comprised of hydrophobic amino acids that directs the secretionof the protein from the cell. The protein is either secreted into thegrowth medium (Gram-positive bacteria) or into the periplasmic space,located between the inner and outer membrane of the cell (gram-negativebacteria). Preferably there are processing sites, which can be cleavedeither in vivo or in vitro, encoded between the signal peptide sequenceand the protein.

DNA encoding suitable signal sequences can be derived from genes forsecreted bacterial proteins, such as the E. coli outer membrane proteingene (ompA) (Masui et al. (1983) FEBS Lett. 151(1):159-164; Ghrayeb etal. (1984) EMBO J. 3:2437-2442) and the E. coli alkaline phosphatasesignal sequence (phoA) (Oka et al. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.82:7212). Other prokaryotic signals include, for example, the signalsequence from penicillinase, Ipp, or heat stable enterotoxin II leaders.

Typically, transcription termination sequences recognized by bacteriaare regulatory regions located 3′ to the translation stop codon andthus, together with the promoter, flank the coding sequence. Thesesequences direct the transcription of mRNA that can be translated intothe polypeptide encoded by the DNA. Transcription termination sequencesfrequently include DNA sequences (of about 50 nucleotides) that arecapable of forming stem loop structures that aid in terminatingtranscription. Examples include transcription termination sequencesderived from genes with strong promoters, such as the trp gene in E.coli as well as other biosynthetic genes.

The expression vectors will have a plurality of restriction sites forinsertion of the sequence so that it is under transcriptional regulationof the regulatory regions. Selectable marker genes that ensuremaintenance of the vector in the cell can also be included in theexpression vector. Examples of selectable markers include those thatconfer resistance to drugs such as ampicillin, chloramphenicol,erythromycin, kanamycin (neomycin), and tetracycline (Davies et al.(1978) Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 32:469). Selectable markers can also allowa cell to grow on minimal medium, or in the presence of toxicmetabolites and can include biosynthetic genes, such as those in thehistidine, tryptophan, and leucine biosynthetic pathways.

As used herein, “heterologous” in reference to a sequence is a sequencethat originates from a foreign species, or, if from the same species, issubstantially modified from its native form in composition and/orgenomic locus by deliberate human intervention. For example, a promoteroperably linked to a heterologous polynucleotide is from a speciesdifferent from the species from which the polynucleotide was derived,or, if from the same/analogous species, one or both are substantiallymodified from their original form and/or genomic locus, or the promoteris not the native promoter for the operably linked polynucleotide.

The regulatory regions can be native (homologous), or can be foreign(heterologous) to the cell and/or the nucleotide sequence of theinvention. The regulatory regions can also be natural or synthetic.Where the region is “foreign” or “heterologous” to the nucleotidesequence of the invention, it is meant that the region is not the nativeor naturally occurring region for the operably linked nucleotidesequence of the invention. For example, the region can be derived fromphage. While sequences can be expressed using heterologous regulatoryregions, native regions can be used. Such constructs would be expectedin some cases to alter expression levels of proteins in the cell. Thus,the phenotype of the cell can be altered.

In preparing the expression cassette, the various DNA fragments can bemanipulated, so as to provide for the DNA sequences in the properorientation and, as appropriate, in the proper reading frame. Towardthis end, adapters or linkers can be employed to join the DNA fragmentsor other manipulations can be involved to provide for convenientrestriction sites, removal of superfluous DNA, removal of restrictionsites, or the like. For this purpose, in vitro mutagenesis, primerrepair, restriction, annealing, resubstitutions, e.g., transitions andtransversions, may be involved.

The invention further provides a recombinant expression vectorcomprising a DNA molecule of the invention cloned into the expressionvector in an antisense orientation. That is, the DNA molecule isoperably linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner that allows forexpression (by transcription of the DNA molecule) of an RNA moleculethat is antisense to mRNA. Regulatory sequences operably linked to anucleic acid cloned in the antisense orientation can be chosen to directthe continuous or inducible expression of the antisense RNA molecule.The antisense expression vector can be in the form of a recombinantplasmid or phagemid in which antisense nucleic acids are produced underthe control of a high efficiency regulatory region, the activity ofwhich can be determined by the cell type into which the vector isintroduced. For a discussion of the regulation of gene expression usingantisense genes see Weintraub et al. (1986) Reviews—Trends in Genetics,Vol. 1(1).

Alternatively, some of the above-described components can be puttogether in transformation vectors. Transformation vectors are typicallycomprised of a selectable market that is either maintained in a repliconor developed into an integrating vector, as described above.

Microbial or Bacterial Cells

The production of bacteria containing the nucleic acid sequences orproteins of this invention, the preparation of starter cultures of suchbacteria, and methods of fermenting substrates, particularly foodsubstrates such as milk, can be carried out in accordance with knowntechniques. (See, for example, Gilliland, S. E. (ed) Bacterial StarterCultures for Food, CRC press, 1985, 205 pp.; Read, G. (Ed.) Prescott andDunn's Industrial Microbiology, 4^(th) Ed., AVI Publishing Company, Inc.1982, 883 pp.; Peppler, J. J. and Perlman, D. (Eds.) MicrobialTechnology: Volume II, Fermentation Technology, Academic Press, 1979,536 pp.)

By “fermenting” is meant the energy-yielding, metabolic breakdown oforganic compounds by microorganisms that generally proceed underanaerobic conditions and with the evolution of gas.

By “introducing” as it pertains to nucleic acid molecules is meantintroduction into cells (e.g., prokaryotic cells) via conventionaltransformation or transfection techniques, or by phage-mediatedinfection. As used herein, the terms “transformation,” “transduction,”“conjugation,” and “protoplast fusion” are intended to refer to avariety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleicacid (e.g., DNA) into a cell, including calcium phosphate or calciumchloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection,lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming ortransfecting cells can be found in Sambrook et al. (1989) MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Plainview, N.Y.) and other laboratory manuals. By “introducing”as it pertains to polypeptides or microorganisms of the invention, ismeant introduction into a host by ingestion, topical application, nasal,urogenital, suppository, or oral application of the polypeptide ormicroorganism.

Bacterial cells used to produce the polypeptides of this invention arecultured in suitable medium, as described generally in Sambrook et al.(1989) Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, Plainview, N.Y.).

Modulating Oxalate Degradation

Methods and compositions for degrading oxalate are provided. Oxalate iscatabolized through a series of enzymatic reactions. Two generalmechanisms for oxalate degradation include decarboxylation to yieldformic acid and CO₂ and oxidation to yield hydrogen peroxide and CO₂.The decarboxylation process can be accomplished either aerobically oranaerobically, while the oxidation process is strictly aerobic. In thedecarboxlation reaction, oxalate is reduced by a formyl coenzyme Atransferase (formyl-CoA transferase; E.C. 2.8.3) which activates theoxalate molecule by cycling a CoA moiety from formyl-CoA. Next, theoxalyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase (oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase; E.C. 4.1.1.8)decarboxylates the activated oxalate molecule. As demonstrated herein,this pathway of oxalate degradation has now been identified inLactobacillus acidophilus. FIG. 2 provides a schematic of this oxalatedegradation pathway. Accordingly, the present invention provides methodsand compositions related to modulating oxalate degradation.

Compositions comprising the oxalate degrading polynucleotides andpolypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1 and 2 are provided. SEQ ID NOS:1and 2 encode a member of the formyl-CoA transferase family. As usedherein, “formyl-CoA transferase activity” catalyzes the transfer of CoAfrom formyl-CoA to either oxalate or succinate. Methods to assay forthis activity are known. See, for example, Baetz et al. (1990) Journalof Bacteriology 172:3537-3540, herein incorporated by reference. Thesesequences, along with variant and fragments thereof, can be used tomodulate the oxalate degrading activity of an organism of interest.

Further provided are compositions comprising the oxalate degradingpolynucleotides and polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOS:3 and 4. SEQ IDNOS:3 and 4 encode an oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase. As used herein,polypeptides having “oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase activity” decarboxylatesthe activated oxalate molecule. Methods to assay for this activity areknown. For example, the consumption of oxalyl-CoA and the production offormyl-CoA can be monitored by capillary electrophoresis. See, forexample, Federici et al. (2004) Applied and Environmental Microbiology70:5066-5073 and Lung et al. (1994) Journal of Bacteriology176:2468-2472, each of which is herein incorporated by reference. Thesesequences, along with variants and fragments thereof, can be used tomodulate the oxalate degrading activity of an organism of interest.

Compositions of the invention further include various polynucleotidesand polypeptides that are differentially expressed in Lactobacillusacidophilius in response to 1% ammonium oxalate at pH 6.8. Suchpolypeptides and polynucleotides are set forth in SEQ ID NOS:5-36. Inone embodiment, such sequences can find use in modulating oxalatedegradation or any other method disclosed herein.

As used herein, the terms “oxalate degrading” and “oxalate reducing”activity are interchangeable and both refer to the reduction ordegradation of oxalate. Oxalate degrading activity includes formyl-CoAtransferase activity, oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase activity, or any activityemployed in an enzymatic pathway that decreases the level of oxalate ina sample. As defined herein “modulating oxalate degradation” is intendedany statistically significant increase or decrease in oxalate levels ina sample when compared to an appropriate control. Thus, an effectiveconcentration of an oxalate degrading sequence or microbe is aconcentration that is sufficient to modulate oxalate degredation. Assaysto measure oxalate degradation include, but are not limited to, theassays discussed above for formyl-CoA transferase activity andoxalyl-CoA decarboxylase activity. In addition, assays for oxalatedegradation include direct measurement of oxalate concentration. See,for example, Duncan et al. (2002) Applied and Environmental Microbiology68:3841-3847, herein incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, an appropriate host cell is transformed with at leastone of the polynucleotides encoding the oxalate degrading sequences ofthe invention, or a biologically active variant or fragment thereof, andthereby confer upon the transformed host cell a modulated oxalatedegradation activity (i.e., an increase or decrease in oxalatedegradation activity) than that seen in an appropriate host controlcell. The host can comprise, for example, a microbe which isparticularly well adapted for oral administration and/or colonizing theintestines. Alternatively, the host may be a plant or plant cell which,once transformed, will produce the desired oxalate degradingpolypeptides and thereby make these activities available in theintestine when the plant material is consumed. Alternatively, thetransformed plant may have a lower amount of oxalate, due to the actionsof the polypeptides provided by the transformation, and thus whenconsumed, the plant will not provide as much oxalate to the diet aswould a nontransformed plant. The oxalate degrading polynucleotides mayalso be used in synthetic or ex vivo systems to provide proteins havingoxalate degrading activity.

Compositions further comprise microorganisms that are capable ofdegrading oxalate. In one embodiment, the microorganism comprises abacteria having a first nucleic acid comprising the nucleic acid setforth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a biologically active variant or fragmentthereof; and, a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotidesequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or a biologically active variant orfragment thereof, where at least one of the first or the second nucleicacid molecules is heterologous to the bacteria, and the first and thesecond nucleic acid molecules are operably linked to a promoter activeis the bacteria. In specific embodiments, both nucleic acids areheterologous to the microorganism.

The microorganism employed in the methods and compositions of theinvention can comprise a probiotic bacteria, a lactic acid bacteria,Lactobacillus, or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Other microorganisms ofinterest include, but are not limited to, Oxalobacter formigenes,Pseudomonas, Clostridia, or Bifidobacteria. It is recognized that thenative microorganism employed can be capable of degrading oxalate, butalso includes microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that are unableto degrade oxalate and thus when transformed with the heterologousoxalate degrading polynucleotides of the invention, the oxalatedegrading ability is conferred. Methods of expressing and isolating theoxalate degrading polypeptide or various methods for introducing suchsequences into a microbe are known in the art and disclosed in detailelsewhere herein.

Compositions of the present invention also include subjects (i.e.,animals including, humans and non-human animals, such as, domesticated,agricultural, or exotic animals) that have a modulated oxalate degradingactivity. In specific embodiments, such subjects have an enhancedability to reduce oxalate. Such animals having enhanced oxalatedegradation abilities can be used as in vivo models for studyingoxalate-related conditions.

Methods are provided to modulate the oxalate degrading capability of acell or an organism. In one method, oxalate degrading sequences of theinvention are provided to a cell to enhance or repress the oxalatedegrading ability of the cell. In other methods, compositions comprisingthe oxalate degrading sequences of the present invention and/or theoxalate degrading microbes expressing the oxalate degrading sequences ofthe invention are administered to plants or animals for altering theoxalate levels of the plant or animal. Methods also include dietarysupplementation methods such that the compositions of the presentinvention are administered to animals in food or concurrent with food toalter the oxalate levels in the food or during the digestion of thefood.

Further provided is a method for reducing oxalate levels in order totreat or prevent oxalate-related conditions. By “oxalate-relatedcondition” is intended any condition which results in an elevated levelof oxalate in a subject. Subjects which could benefit from preventativetreatment include, but are not limited to, individuals or animals whoseoxalate degrading bacteria have been depleted due to, for example,antibiotic treatment or in post-operative situations. The methods of theinvention can also be used to treat individuals or animals who havecolonies of oxalate degrading bacteria, but who still have unhealthylevels of oxalate due to, for example, oxalate susceptibility and/orexcessive production of endogenous oxalate. Non-limiting oxalate-relatedconditions include hyperoxaluria, primary hyperoxaluria, idiopathiccalcium oxalate kidney stone disease (urolithiasis), enterichyperoxaluria, vulvodynia, oxalosis associated with end-stage renaldisease, cardiac conductance disorders, inflammatory bowel disease,Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

By “treatment” is intended any improvement in the subject having theoxalate-related condition. The improvement can be characterized as anystatistically significant reduction in the level of oxalate in thesubject. Accordingly, a “positive therapeutic response” includes both acomplete response (i.e., a reduction to normal oxalate levels) and apartial response (i.e., any statistically significant reduction inoxalate levels). Various assays can be used to measure the level ofoxalate present in the gut, kidney, feces, or in various cellular orbody fluids, such as, blood or urine. See, for example, Duncan et al.(2002) Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68:3841-3847.

A method for treating an oxalate-related condition comprisesadministering a composition comprising one or more oxalate degradingmicrobes and/or oxalate-degrading polypeptides of the invention. Theoxalate degrading polypeptide which is administered in the methods ofthe invention may be isolated or they may be administered as a celllysate. The cell lysate can be made from any host cell that isexpressing the oxalate degrading sequence of the invention, or abiologically active variant or fragment thereof. In one embodiment, thecell lysate is from Lactobacillus acidophilus. In a specific embodiment,the oxalate degrading sequences which are administered comprise one ormore of the oxalate degrading sequences of the present invention suchas, but not limited to, SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 3, or 4 or a biologically activevariant or fragment thereof. In other embodiments, the sequencesadministered comprise one or more of the sequences as set forth in SEQID NOS:5-36, or a biologically active variant or fragment thereof.Additional factors which improve the oxalate degrading activity can alsobe administered.

Further provided is a composition comprising one or more oxalatedegrading microbes and/or oxalate-degrading polypeptides and/or celllysate of the invention for use as a medicament. Also provided is theuse of a composition comprising one or more oxalate degrading microbesand/or oxalate-degrading polypeptides of the invention in themanufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of anoxalate-related condition.

The present invention yet further provides the use of a compositioncomprising one or more oxalate degrading microbes and/oroxalate-degrading polypeptides and/or cell lysate of the invention inthe manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of anon-limiting oxalate-related condition including one or more ofhyperoxaluria, primary hyperoxaluria, idiopathic calcium oxalate kidneystone disease (urolithiasis), enteric hyperoxaluria, vulvodynla,oxalosis associated with end-stage renal disease, cardiac conductancedisorders, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerativecolitis.

When an oxalate degrading microbe expressing at least one of the oxalatedegrading polynucleotides of the invention is employed, the microbe andits progeny replicate in the intestine of the subject and remove oxalatefrom the intestinal tract, thereby reducing the amount of oxalateavailable for absorption which leads to increased oxalate excretion fromthe blood into the intestine.

Such compositions may be administered one or more times a day for one ormore days depending on the severity of the oxalate-related condition orthe amount of oxalate in the gut or body fluids of the human or animal.The treatments may continue as long as unwanted levels or oxalate arepresent in the human or animal. In still another embodiment, thecomposition is administered to reduce the risk for developingoxalate-related disorders by reducing the amount of oxalate in theintestinal tract. This reduction in the intestinal tract leads to areduction in systemic oxalate levels thereby promoting good health.

To treat or prevent an oxalate-related condition, a therapeuticallyeffective amount of the oxalate degrading polypeptide, an oxalatedegrading a microorganism comprising the oxalate-reducing polypeptide, acell having lysate from an oxalate degrading polypeptide isadministered. By “therapeutically effective amount” is meant theconcentration of an oxalate degrading microbe and/or polypeptide of theinvention that is sufficient to elicit a therapeutic effect. Thus, theconcentration of an oxalate degrading microbe and/or polypeptide of theinvention in an administered dose unit is effective in the treatment orprevention of an oxalate-related disorder. The therapeutically effectiveamount will depend on many factors including, for example, the severityof the oxalate-related disorder, the responsiveness of the patient, theweight of the patient, along with other intrapersonal variability, themethod of administration, and the oxalate degrading microbe and/orpolypeptide formulation used. The oxalate degrading compositions aretherefore administered at intervals determined by the needs of theindividual. A single, periodic, or regular administration may be needed.Methods also include administering such compositions more than one timeper day, more than two times per day, more than three times per day andin a range from 1 to 15 times per day. Such administrations may becontinuously, as in every day for a period of days, weeks, months oryears, or may occur at specific times to treat or preventoxalate-related conditions.

The compositions of the present invention comprise pharmaceuticallyacceptable formulations. For example, the methods and compositions ofthe present invention comprise a dose delivery system that provides thecompositions (i.e., the oxalate degrading enzymes or the oxalatedegrading microbe) to the desired locations, such as delivery of thecompositions to the intestines/mucosal regions of the subject.Pharmaceutical compositions include oxalate degrading bacteria or one ormore oxalate degrading polypeptides, alone or in combinations includebacteria or polypeptides that have been lyophilized or frozen in liquidor paste form and encapsulated in a gel capsule, microcapsules, or otherenteric protection. An enteric protective coating can be used to protectthe composition from adverse effects of stomach acid. Such entericcoatings include the use of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP).Additional descriptions of encapsulation technology include U.S. Pat.No. 5,286,495, which is incorporated herein by reference. The releasedcomposition then converts oxalate present in the intestine to harmlessproducts. Carriers also can be combined with the bacteria orpolypeptides. These would include, for example, saline-phosphate buffer.

In other embodiments, different food products can be supplemented withthe oxalate degrading compositions of the invention. Such food productscan subsequently be administered to the subject. Various methods can beemployed for making such foods products including, for example, admixinga food material with an oxalate reducing composition of the invention.For example, yogurt cultures, the end yogurt food product, milk, cheese,or meat products can be mixed with the oxalate degrading microbes of theinvention. In addition, plants expressing the oxalate reducing enzymesof the invention can be generated using known transformationtechnologies. Upon ingestion, when the food products are being digestedand absorbed by the intestines, the oxalate degrading compositions,including one or more microbes, one or more polypeptides or combinationsthereof, degrade oxalate present in the intestines thus reducingabsorption of oxalate into the bloodstream.

It is recognized that the oxalate degrading sequences of the inventioncan be employed in combination with other sequences known to modulatedoxalate degradation. Various oxalate degrading enzymes and the genesencoding these enzymes are known and include, for example, those setforth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,912,125; 6,090,628; and 6,214,980. Thesepatents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The termoxalate degrading enzyme includes but is not limited to oxalate oxidase,oxalate decarboxylase, oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase, and formyl-CoAtransferase, and includes enzymes that are capable of interacting withoxalate or oxalic acid. These enzymes may be derived from naturalsources or synthesized using recombinant means known in the art, andinclude all fragments, such as binding sites, active sites, or fragmentscapable of interacting with oxalate or oxalic acid. This term alsoincludes but is not limited to all necessary cofactors, coenzymes,metals, or binding or substrate materials that are needed by the enzymein interacting with oxalate or oxalic acid. The present invention alsocontemplates any binding partners of these enzymes and includesantibodies and antibody fragments that bind to or interact with theenzymes.

Additional Methods of Use

Methods are provided wherein properties of microbes used in fermentationare modified to provide strains which permit more efficient and/or moreeconomic bioprocesses, or strains better able to survive, grow and/orcolonize or inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of a host animal to whichthe strain is administered as a probiotic bacterium.

In one embodiment, expression or overexpression of a polynucleotide orpolypeptide of the invention can modulate the growth rate of abacterium. By “growth rate” is meant a measure of the rate of growth ofan organism or culture. When the microorganism is grown in continuousliquid culture at an exponential growth rate, the increase in cell masscan be expressed in terms of the specific growth rate constant (μ):dP/dt=μ×P, where P is the cell mass and t is the time. By“overexpressing” is meant that the protein of interest is produced in anincreased amount in the modified bacterium compared to its production ina wild-type bacterium. Assays to measure the growth rate of bacteria areknown in the art (see, for example, Bruinenberg et al. (1992) Appl.Environ. Microbiol. 58:78-84).

Methods for increasing oxalate degradation in a subject are provided,comprising introducing a lipase or esterase protein in a subject. In oneembodiment, the protein is expressed in an organism that is used toferment a dairy product, and the subject ingests the product. In anotherembodiment, the polypeptide itself is added to a food product.Expression of oxalyl CoA decarboxylase in the intestinal tract of asubject may help lower concentrations of oxalate in the blood or urine(see, for example, Troxel et al. (2003) J. Endourol. 17:173-176; Lung etal. (1991) Am. J. Kidney Dis. 17:381-385; Sidhu et al. (1999) J. Am.Soc. Nephrol. Suppl 14:S334-S340).

TABLE 1 Nucleic acids and proteins of the present invention ORF# SEQ IDNO Gene 395 1 Dehydratase 396 3 Oxalyl CoA decarboxlase 38 5 39 7 40 9144 11 149 13 600 31 Xylulose-5-phosphate/fructose phosphoketolase 87733 Cellobiose phosphotransferase enzyme IIA 1119 15 Inner membraneprotein 1234 17 Cadmium/manganese transport ATPase or H⁺-transportingATPase 1339 19 1462 21 β-galactosidase 1690 23 Membrane protein 1869 251870 35 Maltose phosphorylase 1877 27 1948 29

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended embodiments.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by wayof limitation.

EXPERIMENTAL Example 1 Analysis of the Chromosomal Region Containing frcand oxc

Oxalic acid can be found in dietary sources (such as coffee, tea,chocolate) or produced from some metabolic precursors (such as ascorbicacid) by the intestinal microflora or by non enzymatic degradation. Inthe human intestine it may combine with calcium, sodium, magnesium, orpotassium to form less soluble salts causing pathological disorders(hyperoxaluria, pyridoxine deficiency, urolithiasis and renal failure inhumans). An operon containing genes homologous to a formyl coenzyme Atransferase (frc) and oxalyl coenzyme A decarboxylase (oxc) wasidentified in the genome of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillusacidophilus. These genes, not previously described in lactobacilli, areputatively responsible for oxalate degradation in this organism.Transcriptional analysis using cDNA microarrays andreverse-transcription quantitative PCR revealed that mildly acidicconditions were a prerequisite for frc and oxc transcription. As aconsequence, oxalate-dependent induction of those genes L. acidophiluswas only accomplished in cells exposed to pH 5.5 previously adapted tosub inhibitory concentrations of oxalate. Physiological analysis using amutant harboring a deleted version of the frc gene (frc⁻) confirmed thatfrc expression specifically affects the survival under oxalic acid at pH3.5 as compared with the wild type strain. A whole genome microarraycontaining 97.5% of the genes of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM was usedto identify a candidate gene for the incorporation of the dissociatedoxalate into the cell. Where genome information was available, othermembers of the lactic acid bacteria were screened for frc and oxc genes.With the exception of Lactobacillus gasseri NCK334 and Bifidobacteriumanimalis, none of the other strains harbored genes for oxalateutilization.

The genome sequence of L. acidophilus NCFM (Altermann et al. (2005)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 102: 3906-3912) revealed the presence ofan operon putatively involved in oxalate catabolism (FIG. 1). Thepredicted operon consisted of two genes: the formyl-CoA transferase(LBA0395, frc) and oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (LBA0396, oxc), encoded onthe complementary chain (FIG. 1). High-energy rho-independentterminators can be predicted downstream LBA0397 (Δ −11.4 Kcal/mol) andLBA0395 (Δ −14.6 Kcal/mol). Additionally, a typical RBS sequence(agaagg), 7 nt from the start, and a putative promoter were positionedupstream of oxc.

The gene downstream of frc (LBA0394) is also encoded on thecomplementary chain and its putative product is a protein of 395 aminoacids (aa) which is virtually identical (90% identity, E value of 0.0)to a predicted acyl-CoA transferase/carnitin dehydratase fromLactobacillus gasseri NCK334 (Accession number ZP_(—)00046082). It alsoshows 44% identity with a putative formyl-CoA transferase fromEscherichia coli K12 (Accession number NP_(—)416872) and 44% identitywith a putative protein F (Accession number BAA 16242) of a bileacid-inducible operon from E. coli. A conserved domain (pfam02515)belonging to a new family of CoA-transferases is present in thisprotein. Most of CoA-transferases belong to two well-known enzymefamilies, but recently a third family of CoA-transferases was described(Heider (2001) FEBS Lett. 509: 345-349). Members of this enzyme familyare oxalyl-CoA-transferase, succinyl-CoA: (R)-benzylsuccinateCoA-transferase, (E)-cinnamoyl-CoA: (R)-phenyllactate CoA-transferase,and butyrobetainyl-CoA: (R)-carnitine CoA-transferase.

LBA0395 encodes a protein of 445 aa length and shares an identity of 30%(48% similarity) with LBA0394. Additionally, LBA0395 is highly similarto the predicted acyl-CoA transferase from L. gasseri and the formyl-CoAtransferase from E. coli K12. However, contrary to LBA0394, LBA0395 alsoshowed a 44% identity (61% similarity) with the protein encoded by frc,the formyl-CoA transferase gene from Oxalobacter formigenes (Sidhu etal. (1997) J. Bacteriol. 179:3378-3381), which was the first member ofthe family III of Co-A transferases to be characterized.

LBA0396 encodes a 569-aa protein similar to the oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase(EC 4.1.1.8) from O. formigenes (53% identical and 71% similar; Lung etal. (1994) J. Bacteriol. 176:2468-2472) and Bifidobacterium lactis (46%identical and 63% similar, Federici et al. (2004) Appl. Environ.Microbiol. 70:5066-5073). The protein encoded by LBA0396 exhibits aconserved domain present in thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)-requiringenzymes (COG0028). This domain is also present in several enzymesincluding acetolactate synthase, pyruvate dehydrogenase (cytochrome),glyoxylate carboligase, and phosphonopyruvate decarboxylase.Additionally, in LBA0396 the N-terminal TPP-binding domain (pfam02776)starts at residue 7 aa and spans for 171 aa, and the central TPP domain(pfam00205) starts at residue 197 aa and spans for 154 aa.

LBA0397, upstream to oxc, encodes a 639-aa protein showing the conserveddomain COG0488, Uup, that corresponds to ATPase components of ABCtransporters with duplicated ATPase domains (Holland and light (1999) J.Mol. Biol. 293:381-399). A high degree of identity to equivalentproteins (over 75%) encoded by L. gasseri and L. johnsonii was observed.

Other lactic acid bacteria were screened for frc and oxc related genes.With the exception of Lactobacillus gasseri NCK334 (Accession numberZP_(—)0004699.1) and Bifidobacterium animalis (Accession numberAB163432.1), none of the other strains harbored genes for oxalateutilization, including Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 (Kleerbezem et al.(2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100:1990-1995) and Lactobacillusjohnsonii, a reputed probiotic culture (Pridmore et al. (2004) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 101:2512-2517).

Example 2 Transcriptional Analysis of the oxc Operon Using Microarrays

Antiport of oxalate/formate in O. formigenes is coupled to oxalatedecarboxylation and generates a proton-motive gradient (Abe et al.(1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271:6789-6793). In view of the fact that we werenot able to identify a putative oxalate permease/antiporter by in silicoanalysis of L. acidophilus genome, we conducted microarray experimentsin an attempt to identify a candidate that might be responsible for thespecific transport of oxalate into the cell.

During growth of L. acidophilus in glucose-supplemented MRS medium, thepH of a culture starting at 6.5 typically decreases due to fermentationand lactic acid production. NCFM can comfortably tolerate mildly acidicconditions (pH≈5.5). A whole-genome array (WGA) containing 97.4% of NCFMannotated genes was used to identify genes that are differentiallyexpressed under mildly acidic conditions (GEO accession numbers GPL1401[platform] and GSE1976 [series]; 4). After exposure to pH 5.5 for 30min, we observed the consistent induction of ORFs LBA0395 (3.2-fold) andLBA0396 (4.5 fold) encoding a putative formyl-CoA transferase (ftrc) andoxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (oxc), respectively (FIG. 2). In this study,the WGA of L. acidophilus was used to analyze the global gene expressionafter cells were exposed to 70 mM ammonium oxalate for 30 min at pH 6.8.Sixteen genes were significantly up regulated (P≦0.05 and a foldchange>2.0, Table 2) and 315 genes were down regulated (P≦0.05 and afold change<0.5). Both the frc or oxc genes were down regulated underthis condition. The most up regulated genes were a cadmium/manganesetransport ATPase (LBA1234) and two uncharacterized membrane proteins(LBA1119 and LBA1690). ORFs LBA0038, LBA0039, LBA0040, and LBA0041 wereup regulated (between 1.43 and 2.45-fold). These four genes, encoded onthe lagging strand, appear to form an operon. LBA0041 encodes a putativeadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl)-dependent ribonucleoside triphosphatereductase. ORFs LBA0038, LBA0039 and LBA0040 are poorly characterized,however LBA0040 is similar to a putative ATP:cob(I) alaminadenosyltransferase (Johnson et al. (2001) J. Bacteriol 183:1577-84, theenzyme responsible for the last step in the activation of vitamin B12(cyanocobalamin, CNCbl) to coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl), the enzyme responsiblefor the last step in the activation of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin,CNCbl) to coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl). The reason why these genes are upregulated in the presence of ammonium oxalate requires furtherinvestigation.

TABLE 2 Differentially expressed genes in Lactobacillus. acidophilusNCFM in response to 1% ammonium oxalate at pH 6.8. Expression GeneDescription Ratio P-value La38 Hypothetical protein 2.3779 3.05E−05 La39Hypothetical protein 2.45397 0.00715 La40 Hypothetical protein 1.987630.01751 La144 N-acetylglucosamine-6-P deacetylase 3.20624 0.000577 La149Hypothetical protein 2.35141 0.00148 La600 Xylulose-5-phosphate/ 3.077950.00465 fructose phosphoketolase La877 PTS system IIa 2.11961 0.01174La1119 Putative inner membrane protein 5.9474 1.53E−05 La1234Cadmium/manganese 9.64192 0.000479 transport ATPase La1339 Hypotheticalprotein 2.33961 0.01897 La1462 Beta-galactosidase 1.98621 3.70E−02La1690 Putative membrane protein 4.76365 0.00306 La1869Beta-phosphoglucomutase 2.9235 5.99E−05 La1870 Maltose phosphorylase3.13107 0.00337 La1877 Hypothetical protein 2.59773 0.00538 La1948Glucosamine-6-phosphate 2.3297 0.01976 isomerase

Example 3 Transcriptional Analysis of the oxc Operon by RTQ-PCR

Acid-induction of frc and oxc was evaluated in the presence and absenceof ammonium oxalate as inducer of the expression of the operon. Primersmeeting RTQ-PCR criteria were designed for genes LBA0394, LBA0395 (frc),LBA0396 (oxc), and LBA0397. Additionally, since LBA0394 showed somehomology to a bile-inducible protein (see above) we also designedRTQ-PCR primers for two ORFs in the NCFM genome encoding bile salthydrolases LBA0872 (bsh1) and LBA1078 (bsh2).

L. acidophilus was adapted to oxalate by three consecutive transfers inMRS broth containing 0.05% ammonium oxalate, a non-inhibitingconcentration. Cells pre-exposed or not-exposed to this compound werethen transferred to MRS broth at pH 5.5 (adjusted with lactic acid), andsamples were taken over time. ORFs LBA0397, bsh1 and bsh2 (not shown)were not expressed under any of the conditions assayed. Expression ofLBA0394 was basal and constant. In contrast, the frc and oxc genes werehighly expressed in cells exposed to pH 5.5 (FIG. 3A). When L.acidophilus cells were propagated in the presence of ammonium oxalateand then exposed to pH 5.5 plus 0.5% ammonium oxalate, frc and oxcexpression increased dramatically (FIG. 3B). Subsequently, cells werepre-exposed to oxalate or not, and then resuspended in MRS containing0.5% ammonium oxalate (pH>6.0). However, at the higher pH, no inductionof any of the genes studied was observed (data not shown).

Example 4 Inactivation of frc and Mutant Phenotype Analysis

The integrative plasmid pOR128, a pWV01-derived vector (Law et al.(1995) J. Bacteriol. 177:7011-7018) was used to replace frc with thedeleted version of the same gene. A 1.42-kb fragment containing frc wasamplified using L. acidophilus NCFM chromosomal DNA as template andcloned in pOR128. Subsequently, a 72-bp fragment of the cloned gene wasremoved by inverted PCR amplification and posterior self-ligation. Theresulting 3.04-kb plasmid pTRK837 was then introduced by electroporationin L. acidophilus NCFM containing the helper plasmid pTRK669. Subsequentsteps to facilitate the integration event and gene replacement werecarried out according to the protocols previously described (Russell andKlaenhammer (2001) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 67:4361-4364 andBruno-Barcena et al. (2005) FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 246:91-101). PCR andSouthern hybridization experiments using an internal fragment of frc asprobe confirmed the occurrence of the gene replacement.

The survival of log cells (OD₆₀₀=0.3) of the wild-type (L. acidophilusNCFM; wt) and frc⁻ strains at pH 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 was compared, usinghydrochloric acid (HCl), lactic acid and oxalic acid to acidify MRSbroth. No differences were observed between the wt and the mutant whenHCl or lactic acid was used to acidify the culture medium. Additionally,no differences were observed between strains, in the presence of 5%oxalic acid, at pH 4.0 (>50% survival) or 3.0 (<0.01% survival).However, frc⁻ was more sensitive to 5% (w/v) oxalic acid after 2 h at pH3.5 (FIG. 4).

The ability of the control and the mutant strains to tolerate and/orgrow in the presence of oxalate in a semi-defined medium (BM) since theaddition of the salt caused precipitation of MRS broth was examined(FIG. 4). The growth rate in BM was similar for both L. acidophilusstrains (0.7 h⁻¹ in BM containing 0.1% glucose). No differences wereobserved between strains when 0.1% or 0.5% ammonium oxalate (C₂H₈N₂O₄)was added to the cultures in the presence of glucose, since growth ratesdecreased in both strains in the presence of 0.5% C₂H₈N₂O₄ (0.48 h⁻¹ forthe control and 0.52 h⁻¹ for the mutant). Interestingly, a lag-phase of7 hours was observed when 0.5% C₂H₈N₂O₄ was added to the media withoutglucose indicating that strains require detoxifying this compound togrow.

Finally, oxalate content was measured in both NCFM and the frc mutant(FIG. 6). Lactobacillus strains were consecutively transferred for 3days in BM broth without citrate (BM^(cit-)), containing 1% glucose plus3.5 mM ammonium oxalate. After 3 days, 100 μl of cells were inoculatedin the same medium and grown to an A₆₀₀ of 0.6, centrifuged andresuspended in BM^(cit-) containing 0.1% glucose plus 35 mM ammoniumoxalate (32 mM oxalate). Samples were taken over time, centrifuged,neutralized to a pH between 5 and 7 (according to the manufacturer'sinstructions) with 1N sodium hydroxide and stored at −20° C. Oxalateconcentration in the supernatants was measured in triplicate using thediagnostic oxalate kit (Trinity Biotech, Co Wicklow, Ireland) based onthe oxidation of oxalate by oxalate oxidase.

As shown in FIG. 6, the content of oxalate in the culture supernatantdecreased significantly in the control (up to 23.6%) but not in themutant strain where oxalate content decreased 5.8%. Most of the oxalatedegradation occurred during the first 16 hours of culture growth. Theresults indicated that L. acidophilus was able to degrade oxalate, andFrc participates in this process.

Example 5 Summary of Transcriptional and Functional Analysis ofOxalyl-CoA Decarboxylase and Formyl-CoA Transferase from Lactobacillusacidophilus

Studies using a whole-genome microarray of Lactobacillus acidophilusNCFM (Azcarate-Peril et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. (in press)) showedthe consistent induction of ORFs LBA0395 and LBA0396 at mildly acidicpH. A comparative analysis of these and the adjacent genes with theavailable sequences at the Genbank, identified a formyl-CoA transferase(frc) and oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (oxc), highly similar to frc and oxcfrom Oxalobacter formigenes. In L. acidophilus, frc and oxc appear toform an operon and are encoded on the complementary strand. RTQ-PCR andmicroarray experiments confirmed that oxalate (pH>5.8) did not directlyinduce the expression of frc and oxc, which were induced under acidicconditions. However, when L. acidophilus was repeatedly transferred inbroth containing non-inhibitory concentrations of ammonium oxalate andsubsequently exposed to pH 5.5, the expression of those genes,especially frc, was dramatically increased. Moreover, when frc wasinactivated and the mutant strain was exposed to acidic pH it proved tobe more susceptible specifically to oxalic acid at pH 3.5, indicatingthat frc is involved in the detoxification of oxalate by L. acidophilus.Additionally, the frc⁻ mutant was unable to degrade oxalate and wassignificantly below the wild-type strain, which exhibited anoxalate-degrading activity of 23.56%.

The concept of autochthonous microorganisms of the gastrointestinaltract has been discussed by several authors (for a review see 33). Infact, Tannock proposed a concise definition based on three importantcharacteristics: a long-term association with the host, a stablepopulation in a particular region of the gut, and a demonstratedecological function. Oxalate occurs widely in nature and oxalate-richfoods are important sources of oxalate in the diet. The presence ofbacteria that specifically degrade oxalate may regulate the oxalatehomeostasis of the host by preventing absorption, catabolizing freeoxalate and enhancing oxalate removal from the circulation.Consequently, the capability to detoxify this compound potentiallysuggests a new ecological function for L. acidophilus.

Other oxalate-degrading bacteria isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract include Eubacterium lentum (Ito et al. (1996) Int. J.Urol. 3:31-34) and Enterococcus faecalis (Hokama et al. (2000)Microbiol. Immunol. 44:235-240). The authors isolated anoxalate-degrading E. faecalis from human stools under anaerobicconditions, and they identified the formyl-CoA transferase andoxalyl-CoA decarboxylase enzymes by Western blottings using antibodiesagainst Frc and Oxc from O. formigenes. Campieri et al. (Campieri et al.(2001) Kidney Internat. 60:1097-1105) measured oxalate degradation inpatients with idiopatic calcium-oxalate urolithiasis treated with 8×10¹¹LAB (including L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. brevis, Streptococcusthermophilus, and Bifidobacterium infantis). They observed a reductionin the excreted oxalate, and in vitro reduction, especially by L.acidophilus and S. thermophilus (even when their growth was partiallyinhibited by this compound). However, the genes responsible for oxalatedegradation by these microorganisms were not identified. More recently,the oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase gene was identified in B. lactis, andoxalate-degrading activity of the enzyme was confirmed by a capillaryeletrophoresis-based method (Federici et al. (2004) Appl. Environ.Microbiol. 70: 5066-5073). Therefore, oxalate catabolism in thegrastrointestinal tract may be an important property of some comensaland probiotic bacteria.

In other oxalate-degrading organisms as O. formigenes, the utilizationof oxalate is coupled to energy production, produced by the antiport ofoxalate and formate. We were not able to identify a putativepermease/antiporter that incorporates dissociated oxalate into the cellby in silico analysis. It is commonly known that the non-dissociatedforms of organic acids, such as oxalic acid can freely diffuse throughthe cytoplasmic membrane. This might explain the apparent absence of aspecific transporter for oxalic acid in the genome of NCFM. Theconcentration of oxalate entering the cell will increase under acidicconditions, which may also occur during the passage of the cells throughthe variable pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. As analternative hypothesis, one of the three genes encoding membraneproteins may participate in the active transport of this compound intothe cell, particularly as they were strongly up regulated in thepresence of ammonium oxalate. The first, a cadmium/manganese transportATPase (LBA1234) was up regulated 9.64 fold. The predicted proteinencoded by LBA1234 shows two conserved domains: pfam00122 (E1-E2 ATPase)and COG0474 (MgtA, cation transport ATPase). E1E2-ATPases are primaryactive transporters that form phospho-intermediates during theircatalytic cycle. They are classified into P1 to P4 based on the primarystructure and potential transmembrane segments (Axelsen and Palmgren(1998) J Mol Evol. 46:84-101). E1E2-ATPases transport divalent cations(as oxalate is) hence LBA1234 might be the transporter responsible forthe translocation of oxalate into the cell. Two other uncharacterizedmembrane proteins (LBA1119 and LBA1690) were also up regulated, but theydid not harbor any features for putative identification. Additionally,we did not observe over expression of LBA0397, the gene immediatelydownstream oxc, encoding the ATPase subunit of a putative ABCtransporter, under any of the studied conditions.

The gene upstream LBA0394 is similar to a transcriptional regulator andthe gene downstream LBA0397 is a putative AT-rich DNA binding protein.These observations, combined with expression data suggest that the oxcoperon in L. acidophilus is regulated. Moreover, we can speculate thatthe ability to decarboxylate oxalyl-CoA was acquired by L. acidophilusby horizontal gene transfer. The operon is encoded on the complementarystrand and the GC content of frc (38.4%) and oxc (40.2%) is notablyhigher than the average for the NCFM genome (34.71%).

The efficacy of probiotics as means to prevent and/or treat urogenitalinfections and recurrent bladder cancer has been scientifically acceptedin the past two decades (Hoesl and Altwein (2005) Eur. Urol. 47:288-296). More recently, encouraging results were obtained in a clinicaltrial of O fomigenes for patients suffering from hyperoxaluria Type I(an inherited, life-threatening disease characterized by recurrentoxalate stone formation, nephrocalcinosis and eventual liver and kidneyfailure). Additional clinical studies and the delivery of probioticbacteria capable of oxalate detoxification may lead to a complementarymethod to prevent renal stone formation and reduce the incidence ofother pathological disorders (like pyridoxine deficiency, urolithiasis,and renal failure) enhancing acceptance of probiotics by physicians andconsumers.

Example 6 Sequence Characterization

SEQ ID NO: 14 shares homology to PFAM family PF00582. PF00582 comprisesa family of universal stress proteins. A representative member of thisfamily is UspA USPA_ECOLI (Sousa et al. (2001) Structure 9:1135-1141)which is a small cytoplasmic bacterial protein whose expression isenhanced when the cell is exposed to stress agents. UspA enhances therate of cell survival during prolonged exposure to such conditions, andmay provide a general “stress endurance” activity. The crystal structureof Haemophilus influenzae UspA (Nystrom et al. (1994) Mol Microbiol11:537-544) reveals an alpha/beta fold similar to that of theMethanococcus jannaschii MJ0577 protein, which binds ATP Zarembinski etal. (1998) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95:15189-15193, though UspA lacksATP-binding activity.

SEQ ID NO: 6 shares homology to PFAM family PF01923. PF01923 comprises afamily of proteins that share homology to cobalamin adenosyltransferase.This family contains the gene products of PduO and EutT which are bothcobalamin adenosyltransferases. PduO is a protein with ATP:cob(I) alaminadenosyltransferase activity. The main role of this protein is theconversion of inactive cobalamins to AdoCbl for 1,2-propanedioldegradation (Kofoid et al. (1999) J Bacteriol 181:5317-5329). The EutTenzyme appears to be an adenosyl transferase, converting CNB12 to AdoB12(Johnson (2001) J Bacteriol 183:1577-1584).

SEQ ID NO: 18 shares homology to PFAM family PF00122. PF00122 comprisesa family of proteins having homology to p-type (or E1-E2-type) aTPaseswhich constitute a superfamily of cation transport enzymes, present bothin prokaryotes and eukaryotes, whose members mediate membrane flux ofall common biologically relevant cations. The enzymes, that form anaspartyl phosphate intermediate in the course of ATP hydrolysis, can bedivided into 4 major groups: (1) Ca²⁺-transporting ATPases; (2) Na⁺/K⁺-and gastric H⁺/K⁺-transporting ATPases; (3) plasma membraneH⁺-transporting ATPases (proton pumps) of plants, fungi and lowereukaryotes; and (4) all bacterial P-type ATPases, except the Mg²⁺-ATPaseof Salmonella typhimurium, which is more similar to the eukaryoticsequences. However, great variety of sequence analysis methods resultsin diversity of classification.

SEQ ID NO:22 shares homology to PFAM family PF02449. PF02449 comprises afamily of proteins having homology to Beta-galactosidase. This group ofbeta-galactosidase enzymes belong to the glycosyl hydrolase 42 family.The enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of terminal, non-reducing terminalbeta-D-galactosidase residues.

SEQ ID NOS: 26 and 18 share homology to PFAM family PF00702. PF00702comprises a family of proteins having a haloacid dehalogenase-likehydrolase domain. This family are structurally different from thealpha/beta hydrolase family (Abhydrolase_(—)1). This family includesL-2-haloacid dehalogenase, epoxide hydrolases and phosphatases. Thestructure of the family consists of two domains. One is an inserted fourhelix bundle, which is the least well conserved region of the alignment,between residues 16 and 96 of HAD1_PSEUC. The rest of the fold iscomposed of the core alpha/beta domain.

SEQ ID NO: 30 shares homology to PFAM family PF01182. PF01182 comprisesa family of proteins having a Glucosamine-6-phosphateisomerases/6-phosphogluconolactonase domain. This entry contains6-phosphogluconolactonase (EC:3.1.1.31), Glucosamine-6-phosphateisomerase (EC:3.5.99.6), and Galactosamine-6-phosphate isomerase.6-phosphogluconolactonase is the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysisof 6-phosphogluconolactone to 6-phosphogluconate, the second step in thepentose phosphate pathway. Glucosamine-6-phosphate isomerase (orGlucosamine 6-phosphate deaminase) is the enzyme responsible for theconversion of D-glucosamine 6-phosphate into D-fructose 6-phosphate. Itis the last specific step in the pathway for N-acetylglucosamine(GlcNAC) utilization in bacteria such as Escherichia coli (gene nagB) orin fungi such as Candida albicans (gene NAG1). A region located in thecentral part of Glucosamine-6-phosphate isomerase contains a conservedhistidine which has been shown, in nagB, to be important for thepyranose ring-opening step of the catalytic mechanism.

SEQ ID NO: 34 shares homology to PFAM family PF02302. PF02302 comprisesa family of proteins having a PTS system, Lactose/Cellobiose specificIIB subunit. The bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate: sugar phosphotransferasesystem (PTS) is a multi-protein system involved in the regulation of avariety of metabolic and transcriptional processes. Thelactose/cellobiose-specific family is one of four structurally andfunctionally distinct group IIB PTS system cytoplasmic enzymes. The foldof IIB cellobiose shows similar structure to mammalian tyrosinephosphatases.

SEQ ID NO: 36 shares homology to PFAM family PF03632. PF03632 comprisesa family of proteins having a glycosyl hydrolase family 65 centralcatalytic domain. This family of glycosyl hydrolases contains vacuolaracid trehalase and maltose phosphorylase. Maltose phosphorylase (MP) isa dimeric enzyme that catalyses the conversion of maltose and inorganicphosphate into beta-D-glucose-1-phosphate and glucose. The centraldomain is the catalytic domain, which binds a phosphate ion that isproximal the highly conserved Glu. The arrangement of the phosphate andthe glutamate is thought to cause nucleophilic attack on the anomericcarbon atom Egloff et al. (2001) Structure (Camb) 9:689-697). Thecatalytic domain also forms the majority of the dimerisation interface.

SEQ ID NO: 36 shares homology to PFAM family PF03636. PF03636 comprisesa family of proteins having a glycosyl hydrolase family 65, N-terminaldomain. This family of glycosyl hydrolases contains vacuolar acidtrehalase and maltose phosphorylase. Maltose phosphorylase (MP) is adimeric enzyme that catalyses the conversion of maltose and inorganicphosphate into beta-D-glucose-1-phosphate and glucose. This domain isbelieved to be essential for catalytic activity (Egloff et al. (2001)Structure (Camb) 9:689-697).

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in thespecification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art towhich this invention pertains. All publications, patents and patentapplications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

TABLE 3 Top Blast result for each protein sequence SEQ Amino ID PercentAcid NO: ORF Identity Range Organism Description Accession No. 2 395 844 to 442 Lactobacillus gasseri COG1804: Predicted acyl-CoAtransferases/carnitine ref|ZP_00047386.1 dehydratase 4 396 71 1 to 569Lactobacillus gasseri COG0028: Thiamine pyrophosphate-requiring enzymesref|ZP_00047384.1 (acetolactate synthase, pyruvate dehydrogenase(cytochrome), glyoxylate carboligase, phosphonopyruvate decarboxylase) 638 68 1 to 178 Lactobacillus gasseri COG2096: Uncharacterized conservedprotein ref|ZP_00046768.1 8 39 65 1 to 169 Lactobacillus gasserihypothetical protein ref|NP_442412.1 10 40 58 1 to 85  Lactobacillusgasseri hypothetical protein ref|ZP_00046754.1 12 144 69 1 to 384Lactobacillus gasseri COG1820: N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphatedeacetylase ref|ZP_00045970.1 14 149 81 1 to 151 Lactobacillus gasseriCOG0589: Universal stress protein UspA and related ref|ZP_00047032.1 161119 79 1 to 328 Lactobacillus gasseri COG2855: Predicted membraneprotein ref|ZP_00062705.1 18 1234 79 2 to 625 Lactobacillus gasseriCOG0474: Cation transport ATPase ref|XP_356827.1 20 1339 81 2 to 249Lactobacillus gasseri COG1284: Uncharacterized conserved proteinref|ZP_00047447.1 22 1462 47 2 to 665 Bacillus circulansBeta-D-galactosidase ref|ZP_00046986.1 24 1690 25 44 to 279 Streptococcus putative surface exclusion protein ref|NP_830287.1pyogenes 26 1869 86 1 to 220 Lactobacillus gasseri COG0637: Predictedphosphatase/phosphohexomutase ref|ZP_00060522.1 28 1877 34 9 to 130Lactobacillus gasseri COG1396: Predicted transcriptional regulatorsref|ZP_00045911.1 30 1948 68 1 to 238 Lactobacillus gasseri COG0363:6-phosphogluconolactonase/Glucosamine-6- ref|ZP_00046833.1 phosphate 32600 65 1 to 799 Lactobacillus phosphoketolase emb|CAC84393.1 pentosus 34877 55 2 to 159 Lactobacillus gasseri COG0778: Nitroreductaseref|ZP_00045913.1| 36 1870 85 1 to 755 Lactobacillus maltosephosphorylase ref|NP_964229.1| johnsonii NCC 533

TABLE 4 PFAM results for each protein sequence SEQ Amino Acid ID Range(Start, PFAM NO: ORF Domain Stop) Family Accession No. E-value 2 395CoA_transf_3  76, 291 CoA-transferase family III PF02515 2.90E−69 4 396TPP_enzyme_M 197, 351 Thiamine pyrophosphate enzyme, central domainPF00205 1.50E−47 4 396 TPP_enzyme_N  7, 178 Thiamine pyrophosphateenzyme, N-terminal TPP PF02776 1.60E−45 binding domain 6 38Cob_adeno_trans  5, 168 Cobalamin adenosyltransferase PF01923 1.00E−4614 149 Usp  3, 146 Universal stress protein family PF00582 6.90E−18 161119 Cons_hypoth698  1, 309 Conserved hypothetical protein 698 PF036016.00E−62 18 1234 E1-E2_ATPase  66, 288 E1-E2 ATPase PF00122 1.00E−36 181234 Hydrolase 292, 536 haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase PF007021.00E−23 20 1339 DUF161 105, 186 Uncharacterized BCR, YitT familyCOG1284 PF02588 4.20E−24 22 1462 Glyco_hydro_42 192, 605Beta-galactosidase PF02449 1.90E−150 26 1869 Hydrolase  2, 192 haloaciddehalogenase-like hydrolase PF00702 4.00E−29 30 1948 Glucosamine_iso 16, 236 Glucosamine-6-phosphate isomerases/ PF01182 1.80E−456-phosphogluconolactonase 34 877 PTS_IIA  16, 111 PTS system,Lactose/Cellobiose specific IIB subunit PF02302 8.70E−40 36 1870Glyco_hydro_65m 320, 692 Glycosyl hydrolase family 65 central catalyticdomain PF03632 4.30E−203 36 1870 Glyco_hydro_65N  11, 266 Glycosylhydrolase family 65, N-terminal domain PF03636 2.00E−86

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consistingof: a) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence as setforth in SE+Q ID NO: 3; b.) a nucleic acid molecule comprising anucleotide sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide havingoxalate degrading activity; c) a nucleic acid molecule comprising atleast 50 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein said nucleicacid molecule encodes a polypeptide having oxalate degrading activity;d) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising an aminoacid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; and, e) a nucleic acidmolecule that hybridizes under stringent conditions to any of a)-d),wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide having oxalatedegrading activity.
 2. A plasmid comprising the nucleic acid molecule ofclaim
 1. 3. A cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid molecule,wherein said heterologous nucleic acid molecule is set forth in claim 1.4. The cell of claim 3, wherein said cell is a bacterial cell.
 5. Thecell of claim 4, wherein said bacteria is a probiotic bacteria.
 6. Thecell of claim 4, wherein said bacteria is a lactic acid bacteria.
 7. Thecell of claim 6, wherein said lactic acid bacteria is selected from thegroup consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. gasseri, L. johnsonni,and L. plantarum.
 8. The cell of claim 4 further comprising a secondnucleic acid molecule having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ IDNO:1, wherein said second nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptidehaving oxalate degrading activity.
 9. The cell of claim 8, wherein saidsecond nucleic acid molecule is heterologous to said bacterial cell. 10.The cell of claim 6 further comprising a second nucleic acid moleculehaving at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein saidsecond nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide having oxalatedegrading activity.
 11. The cell of claim 10, wherein said secondnucleic acid molecule is heterologous to said bacterial cell.
 12. Abacteria comprising (a) a first nucleic acid molecule selected from thegroup consisting of: i) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotidesequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; ii) a nucleic acid moleculecomprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 90% sequence identityto SEQ ID NO:3, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptidehaving oxalate degrading activity; iii) a nucleic acid moleculecomprising a fragment having 50 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:3,wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide having oxalatedegrading activity; iv) a nucleic acid molecule which encodes apolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ IDNO:4; and, (b) a second nucleic acid molecule selected from the groupconsisting of: i) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotidesequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1; ii) a nucleic acid moleculecomprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% sequence identityto SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptidehaving oxalate degrading activity; iii) a nucleic acid moleculecomprising a fragment having at least 50 contiguous nucleotides of SEQID NO:1, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide havingoxalate degrading activity; iv) a nucleic acid molecule encoding apolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ IDNO:2; and, where at least one of said first or said second nucleic acidmolecule is heterologous to the bacteria and said first and said nucleicacid molecules are operably linked to a promoter active in saidbacteria.
 13. The bacteria of claim 12, wherein said bacteria is aprobiotic bacteria.
 14. The bacteria of claim 13, wherein said bacteriais a lactic acid bacteria.
 15. The bacteria of claim 14, wherein saidlactic acid bacteria is selected from the group consisting ofLactobacillus acidophilus, L. gasseri, L. johnsonni, and L. plantarum.16. An isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) apolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; b) a polypeptide comprising a fragment having at least 50 contiguousamino acids of SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein said polypeptide has oxalatedegrading activity; and, c) a polypeptide having at least 90% sequenceidentity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, whereinsaid polypeptide has oxalate degrading activity.
 17. An antibody thatselectively binds to a polypeptide of claim
 16. 18. A method formodulating the oxalate degrading activity of a cell, comprising: a)introducing into said cell at least one nucleic acid molecule of claim1; and b) culturing said cell under conditions that allow for expressionof the nucleic acid molecule, wherein the expression of said nucleicacid molecule modulates the oxalate degrading activity of the cell. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein said cell is a bacterial cell.
 20. Themethod of 19, wherein said cell further comprises a nucleic acidmolecule comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 95% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes apolypeptide having oxalate degrading activity.
 21. A method forincreasing oxalate degradation in a subject comprising introducing intosaid subject an effective concentration of said bacteria of claim 12.22. A method for increasing oxalate degradation in a subject comprisingintroducing into said subject an effective concentration of at least onepolypeptide of claim
 16. 23. A method for producing a polypeptidecomprising culturing the cell of claim 3 under conditions in which anucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide is expressed.
 24. Amethod for detecting the presence of a polypeptide in a samplecomprising contacting the sample with a compound that selectively bindsto a polypeptide and determining whether the compound binds to thepolypeptide in the sample; wherein said polypeptide is selected from thegroup consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequenceas set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; b) a polypeptide comprising a fragmenthaving at least 50 contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:4, wherein saidpolypeptide has oxalate degrading activity; and, c) a polypeptide havingat least 90% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth inSEQ ID NO: 4, wherein said polypeptide has oxalate degrading activity.25. The method of claim 24, wherein the compound that binds to thepolypeptide is an antibody.
 26. A method for detecting the presence ofthe nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 in a sample, comprising the stepsof: a) contacting the sample with a nucleic acid probe or primer thatselectively hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule; and, b) determiningwhether the nucleic acid probe or primer binds to a nucleic acidmolecule in the sample.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the samplecomprises mRNA molecules and is contacted with a nucleic acid probe. 28.A kit comprising a compound that selectively hybridizes to the nucleicacid molecule of claim 1 and instructions for use.
 29. A method formodifying the functional properties of a bacterial cell, comprising: a)transforming said bacterial cell with a nucleic acid molecule comprisinga nucleotide sequence of claim 1 operably linked to a nucleotidesequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide, or fragment thereof; andb) culturing said bacterial cell under conditions that allow forexpression of the nucleic acid molecule, wherein the heterologouspolypeptide or fragment thereof is expressed on or in said bacteria andprovides a function that is not present in a wild-type bacterial cell.